Anticipating Bird Flu, Jayapura Quarantine Center Destroys Illegal Task Force

SENTANI - Jayapura Agricultural Quarantine, Papua carried out the destruction of poultry without documents which was an effort to free Papua from the bird flu virus.

Jayapura quarantine head Muhlis Natsir said that his party destroyed one chicken from Makasar, two chickens from Jakarta and one chicken from Baebunta.

"The destruction was carried out in order to secure Papua from attacks by the Quarantine Animal Disease Pest (HPHK) and the Quarantine Plant Disturbing Organism (OPTK)," Muhlis was quoted as saying by ANTARA, Friday, June 2.

According to Muhlis, the Jayapura Agricultural Quarantine took action against the carrier media without documents at the Animal Quarantine Installation in West Koya, Muara Tami District, Jayapura City, Papua.

"This destruction is proof of our commitment to prevent the spread of HPHK & OPTK as well as to build compliance and provide a deterrent effect for the perpetrators," he said.

He explained that the active destruction was attended by stakeholders and witnesses from related agencies ranging from the Marine and Coast Guard Unit (KPLP), the Indonesian Navy to the mass media.

"We really appreciate the good teamwork from quarantine officials, especially the seaport working area together with the entire maritime community in Jayapura," he said again.

He added that strengthening synergy for all policy makers must continue to be carried out in order to strengthen the Indonesian nation's defense strongholds from unlawful efforts.

"Sinergitas is very important in guarding the bastion of defense from illegal activities that are against the law," he said again.