Preventing Avian Influenza From Entering Ternate, 21 Poultry From Manado Burned

Officers destroy adult poultry caught from mid-April to May 2021 from ferries and passenger motorboats. (Abdul Fatah / Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ternate Agricultural Quarantine, North Maluku destroyed 21 adult birds from Manado and Bitung, Thursday, April 6 that were confiscated to prevent the spread of avian influenza.

"We are trying to keep North Maluku free from avian influenza, apart from having an impact on human health, will also have a major impact on the community's economy. Imagine if an avian influenza outbreak attacks the farms here, how much loss the farmer has to bear", said Yusup Patiroy, Head of Ternate Agricultural Quarantine when accompanied by Public Relations BKP Class II Ternate, Khori Arianti in Ternate, Thursday.

The Poultry that is destroyed is caught from mid-April to May 2021 from ferries and passenger motorboats. The types consist of Bangkok Chicken and Philippine Chicken. Poultry is a medium for carrying pests and animal diseases. North Maluku is one of the three provinces in Indonesia that is still free of avian influenza based on the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture Number 67 of 2016. Poultry from areas not free of avian influenza is prohibited from entering North Maluku.

Furthermore, Yusup revealed that the smugglers' mode of importing poultry into North Maluku is very diverse. However, his party always tries to secure and be aware of every mode that is developing.

"Our officers are always on guard at entry points, such as at Ahmad Yani Port, Bastiong Port, and Jailolo Port. We are trying to close any gaps in the smuggling of poultry", he said.

The destruction was carried out by burning using an incinerator at the agricultural quarantine installation, Sasa Village, South Ternate. Members of KP3 Port Ahmad Yani and KUPP Class III Jailolo also witnessed the culling of poultry today.

"Our personnel are very limited. Therefore, we would like to express our gratitude to all agencies related to the port scope who have worked well together and assisted our tasks in the field", he said