For Caution, South Kalimantan Health Office Distributes Bird Flu Antidotes To Regencies/Cities

BANJARMASIN - The South Kalimantan Provincial Health Office is distributing bird flu antidotes to districts/cities for vigilance and readiness for quick handling if it infects humans.

"So far there have been no cases of infection to humans, but we must be alert early," said the Head of the South Kalimantan Health Service, Dr. Diauddin in Banjarmasin, Antara, Friday, March 3.

With the medicines that have been prepared, it is hoped that the handling of the bird flu virus will be maximized if local residents are exposed to the virus.

This is because, he continued, there is a possibility that the bird flu virus that is now affecting poultry can be transmitted to humans, even though the impact is not too severe to affect health.

"But everyone must be vigilant, don't panic too, until now there have been no reports of transmission to humans," he said.

As with cross-sectoral coordination in handling the bird flu virus, said Diauddin, if there are residents who are infected within 1x24 hours, they must be handled.

"So for the handling of the bird flu virus, according to the governor's instructions, a quick and precise movement must be carried out, so that it does not spread," said Diauddin.

In accordance with coordination with the South Kalimantan Plantation and Livestock Service Office, cases of bird flu were found in poultry in two districts.

The South Kalimantan Plantation and Livestock Service previously confirmed cases of bird flu virus transmission to poultry found to be Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Sub Type H5N1 Clade 2.3.4.4b.

Efforts made by the South Kalimantan Provincial Government include increasing biosecurity, distributing disinfectants to poultry farming centers, coaching, outreach and Communication of Educational Information (IEC) to the public regarding HPAI.

The Provincial Government of South Kalimantan is also increasing monitoring of poultry traffic between provinces and districts/cities, given the relatively high traffic of poultry in this province.

Then, veterinary authorities and authorized veterinarians in each region continue to ensure that every bird that is transported is healthy and not infected with HPAI.