Ministry Of Health Issues SE Increases Preparedness To Face Bird Flu

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health issued Circular Number PM.03.01/C/28/2025 in response to reports of an increase in bird flu cases or Avian Influenza in several countries, in order to increase awareness of the risk of spread and ensure preparedness of all related parties.

Plt. Director General of Disease Prevention and Control of the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) dr. Yudhi Pramono said, although the risk of bird flu to human health globally is currently considered low, anticipatory steps are still needed.

"We must continue to be vigilant against the potential spread of bird flu. Prevention steps taken from an early age are the key to protecting the community," Yudhi said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, January 8.

Indonesia is still an endemic area of bird flu in poultry, with the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) virus which continues to circulate.

Citing a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), he said that in December 2024 there were an increase in cases of bird flu in mammals in various countries.

According to him, in 2024 the distribution of bird flu cases in the world was reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), namely in China (1 case), Vietnam (2 cases), Cambodia (10 cases), Grahana (1 case), the United States (65 cases), Canada (1 case), Mexico (1 case), India (1 case), and Australia (1 case).

"This circular is part of a national strategy that provides guidance to the intended parties, including the health office, the health quarantine task force, and the hospital director," he said.

The anticipatory steps include strengthening the surveillance system to monitor cases, increasing the capacity of health facilities and laboratories for early detection, as well as cross-sectoral collaboration using the One Health approach.

He also reminded the public to play an active role in prevention by implementing a Clean and Healthy Lifestyle (PHBS).

Several steps suggested to protect oneself and the surrounding environment include avoiding direct contact with sick or sudden death of poultry, reporting the incident to the local farm service, and immediately examining yourself if you have symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

"We believe that with good cooperation between the government, health workers, and the community, the potential for the spread of bird flu can be minimized, while ensuring public health is maintained," he said.