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INDRAMAYU – The number of Avian Influenza (AI) cases in Indramayu District, West Java, has increased compared to 2013. Farmers are advised to maintain vigilance against this disease during this year’s rainy season.

Head of the Animal Health and Public Health Section of Indramayu District Livestock and Agriculture Services, Dian Daju, said there were 39 AI cases in poultry in 2014. These cases involved 72 farmers, affected 11,286 birds and killed 2,765 birds.

“There are more cases compared to 2013, however the number of dead birds is lower,” said Dian on Wednesday (7/1).

Dian said in 2013 there were 27 cases of AI which killed 7,661 birds. Affected poultry were ducks, Muscovy ducks and broiler chickens.

Dian said poultry death in 2013 from AI was higher because the virus attacked ducks. Many people farm ducks by the thousands. Meanwhile in 2014, AI mostly attacked chickens.

Dian added that poultry farmers must watch out for AI in the rainy season. Dampness and lack of sunshine during the rainy season causes the virus to survive easily. “At the same time, birds’ immunities are decreasing,” said Dian.

Head of the Business Division of the Indonesia Local Poultry Farmer Association, Edi Supriadi, said poultry farmers need education on how to vaccinate to prevent AI. He said such efforts must be conducted comprehensively, involving all stakeholders, from government to poultry famers.

(Reporter : Gita Amanda)

Source: Republika