Medan – Laboratory testing of the sudden death of hundreds of dead quails owned by farmers in Barat I hamlet, Karang Anyar village, Beringin subdistrict, Deli Serdang district, North Sumatra, came out positive for Avian Influenza.

Head of Animal Health Section of Deli Serdang District Agriculture and Livestock Services, Refli confirmed the results.

“Laboratory tests conducted by Medan Disease Investigation Center Laboratory stated Avian Influenza as the cause of death of quails,” said Refli on Friday (31/7).

In response, the government will immediately cull all remaining quails in the flock. Also, cleaning and disinfection will be conducted to kill viruses and prevent it from spreading to other birds and humans.

“First of all, we will give socialization to the people on Friday. Afterwards we will proceed with culling. We will slaughter all live birds in the surrounding area, burn the carcasses in a hole about one meter deep, and then bury it,” said Refli.

After culling, the pens/houses must remain empty for at least 1 month. This is to ensure no viable Avian Influenza virus remains and prevent reemergence.

“Later we will give contacts to the people. If anything comes up, we will immediately investigate it. We will remain on guard for any future development,” said Refli.

When questioned about culling indemnity, Refli said it could not be facilitated. The government can only prevent and mitigate Avian Influenza. “We are only responsible for mitigating and preventing the disease. There is no indemnity,” said Refli.

Meanwhile, Head of Control and Drug Division of North Sumatra Province Livestock and Animal Health Services, Rahmad Wahyudi, DVM, also confirmed the case involving dead quails in Deli Serdang to be caused by Avian Influenza. Government response to the incident is handled directly by the district.

The provincial government only facilitates the needs of the district related to control measures implemented. If requested, the province will provide aid [for the district], said Wahyudi.

“So far the province has provided disinfectants for spraying. Each district also has Rapid Response Units to handle cases like this. If necessary, help will be provided,” he said. (Rozie Winata)

Source: MedanBisnis