Reports of Cases Similar to Bird Flu Symptoms Emerge: Expert

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A number of Asian and European countries have started to report cases of bird flu or avian influenza virus. Recent reports suggest that Indonesia has also discovered suspected cases, Airlangga University veterinary medicine faculty professor Chairul Anwar Nidom told Tempo on November 18.

However, he made it clear that the information was obtained from fellow veterinarians and there has been no official tracing for avian flu in Indonesia. Nidom said poultry death cases allegedly caused by bird flu were found in several areas in Indonesian provinces of Sulawesi, Banten, and West Java. 

“Early this month, [we] heard a lot about poultry deaths that resemble the bird flu, but the clinical symptoms and pathological changes are slightly different with the previous one,” said the professor who once led Airlangga University's research center on avian flu. 

Nidom strongly suggests this information to be quickly followed up and tested to be confirmed. Once confirmed, there should be gene sequencing to determine the virus’ character and stringent tests to determine whether it is transmissible to humans. 

“This is still conjecture as we still are unable to obtain the specimens, but based on the symptoms and organ damage, it resembles bird flu,” he explained. “The government should take extra precaution and immediately coordinate with the Health Ministry and the Environmental Ministry. Don’t be late!”

Read: China Reports First Human Case of Bird Flu

MOH KHORY ALFARIZI