Bird flu virus spreads to six South Sulawesi regencies

Bird Flu Virus Spreads

Avian flu outbreak has affected six South Sulawesi regencies, where 18,000 chickens have died suddenly.

Head of the provincial husbandry agency Murtala Ali said on Thursday the infection had spread across the regencies of East Luwu, North Luwu, Pinrang, Soppeng, Sidenreng Rappang and Bone since September. He added that infection also was also reported in Barru regency.

Murtala said the first case of infection was found in East Luwu.and quickly affected the neighboring regency of North Luwu. The local authorities were forced to cull some of the chickens in order not to infect other fowls.

The agency has also sprayed disinfectant and conduct vaccination in areas where infection was found.

Murtala said the changing weather pattern was likely blamed for revival of the bird flu virus.

“The virus’ survival is very much dependant on the weather. This extreme change of weather may have triggered the outbreak,” Murtala said, adding that the high mobility of chickens had accelerated the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, four people who were admitted to Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital in Makassar on Sept. 29 for displaying symptoms of bird flu infection have all tested negative for the virus.

General affairs director of the hospital Kalsum Patonangi said Thursday the four patients had been discharged.