HSU Still Beware of Bird Flu

Amuntai, South Kalimantan (Antaranews) - The North Hulu Sungai (HSU) Fisheries and Livestock Agency still wary of bird flu that may happen again in this area.

Head of Animal Health and Kesmafet of the agency (Diskannak) Putu Susila here on Wednesday said it has not dared to ensure HSU completely free of bird flu, although the results of sweeping by its officer had not found another duck died of H5N1 virus.

"Especially that the South Kalimantan Animal Husbandry Agency  extend the period of bird flu alert to 30 April," he said.

Originally deadline for the bird flu alert applies for South Kalimantan was March 12 to April 12, 2014. However, over technical considerations and review of  Veterinary officers to the centers of farms in South Kalimantan led to renewed bird flu alert period 15 to 30 April 2014.

According to Putu, to ensure HSU completely free of bird flu virus transmission multiply the total old poultry population should be terminated from all duck farm.

"However, to do that would be detrimental to the community because their livelihood rests on duck farms," he said.

In addition, Diskannak also can not fully supervise duck sales out of the area though it has given an appeal and dissemination to farmers.

With the extension of the bird flu alert in the province, South Kalimantan Disnak also still prohibits Animal Husbandry Agency in all district/city to issue a veterinary health certificate (SKKH) for farmers who want to sell duck out of the area.