January 31, 2011

Bird flu reported in Indonesian province

More than 300 chickens suddenly died of bird flu in the Indonesian province of Samarinda, prompting the local government to adopt alert measures.

The municipality husbandry office said chickens in three sub-districts had contracted the virus. New cases were discovered in Tanah Merah sub-district, where 36 chickens died abruptly, according to reports.

"We have warned the residents to be cautious," husbandry office chief Jumyanti said. The office distributed disinfectant to residents living near the outbreaks, he added.

Al Muslim, a resident of Mugirejo village, said bird flu attacked 100 of his chickens and several of his neighbor's chickens over the last two weeks. He said his chickens developed a bluish tint before they died. "I reported the case to the husbandry office," he said.