DuPont Assists Indonesian Red Cross in Piloting Biosecurity Program To Combat Avian Influenza

INDONESIA - In an effort to combat avian influenza (AI) in Indonesia, the Indonesian Red Cross (Palang Merah Indonesia or PMI) is assisting the Indonesian government in combating Avian Influenza. The PMI AI effort consists of three strategic steps: Community Awareness, Biosecurity and Community Based Surveillance programs.

24 January 2006

3 minute read

DuPont Assists Indonesian Red Cross in Piloting Biosecurity Program To Combat Avian Influenza - INDONESIA - In an effort to combat avian influenza (AI) in Indonesia, the Indonesian Red Cross (Palang Merah Indonesia or PMI) is assisting the Indonesian government in combating Avian Influenza. The PMI AI effort consists of three strategic steps: Community Awareness, Biosecurity and Community Based Surveillance programs.

Up to the end of last year, as part of PMI's community awareness programs, 400,000 leaflets on Avian Influenza has been distributed in twelve provinces and High Epidemic Risk regions. PMI is also prepared to deploy 56,000 volunteers to conduct required AI surveillance efforts “PMI has access to these villages. Well-trained PMI volunteers are ready to be mobilized in informing relevant authorities should they find suspected AI cases. This is a part of our more simplified surveillance program“, explained Chairman of PMI, Mar'ie Muhammad.

In the biosecurity front, PMI is working together and in collaboration with the International Red Cross Federation (FIPM) and Bulan Sabit Merah (IFRC) (Red Moon), PT DuPont Indonesia, and Dinas Peternakan (GOI Department of Animal Health) focusing on sector four / backyard smallholders (under 50 chickens) in 150 high risk villages. As an initial phase, this biosecurity program will be piloted in Sukabakti village, Curug, Tanggerang in three backyard smallholders for one month. This program is a realization from PMI's commitment in South East Asean countries in collaboration with Gerakan Palang Merah and Bulan Sabit Merah International that was declared in Jakarta, December 19, 2005.

As part of the pilot of the biosecurity program, PMI in cooperation with PT DuPont Indonesia is also conducting AI training for volunteers who will be involved in the program. These volunteers will help in detecting avian influenza, educating the community on the importance of maintaining the cleanliness (biosecurity) of their backyard farms, and in properly applying disinfectant in the backyard farm area.

Pictures of Virkon® S being prepared and used as part of the biosecurity program training.