Farmers report bird deaths on Indonesia's East Java
Last Updated 20/11/2007, 16:36:52
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Farmers in East Java say thousands of chicken have died suddenly at poultry farms and in villagers' backyards around Blitar and Tulungagung.
Didi Syaputra, our reporter in Blitar, East Java, says it was first thought the birds died as a result of a cold snap that has hit the two towns for the past few days.
But authorities say that it appears they have died of the H5N1 virus as their crests had turned blue.
According to one of the local poultry farmers if no action is taken scores of poultry farmers will become bankrupt.
The head of the local health office, Dr Bahruddin Budi Santosa, says poultry farmers should wear protective gear when working in the chicken farms and when disposing of the dead birds.
In Blitar and Tulungagung areas there are about 9 million chicken being kept in hundreds of local farms and private houses.
Last Updated 20/11/2007, 16:36:52
Select text size:
Large size textMedium size textNormal size text
Farmers in East Java say thousands of chicken have died suddenly at poultry farms and in villagers' backyards around Blitar and Tulungagung.
Didi Syaputra, our reporter in Blitar, East Java, says it was first thought the birds died as a result of a cold snap that has hit the two towns for the past few days.
But authorities say that it appears they have died of the H5N1 virus as their crests had turned blue.
According to one of the local poultry farmers if no action is taken scores of poultry farmers will become bankrupt.
The head of the local health office, Dr Bahruddin Budi Santosa, says poultry farmers should wear protective gear when working in the chicken farms and when disposing of the dead birds.
In Blitar and Tulungagung areas there are about 9 million chicken being kept in hundreds of local farms and private houses.
