Mapping of Avian Influenza is Urgent, Must Dare to Redesign

Jakarta, Kompas – The government must come back to its basics in managing avian influenza. The main problem of AI in Indonesia is how to determine the virus strains and their characteristics. Therefore, it is urgent to finish virus mapping.
According to member of Indonesian Veterinary Watch, who is also former Director General of Livestock of the Ministry of Agriculture (1988 – 1996), Soehadji, avian influenza is managed poorly in Indonesia. Important matters which should be seriously addressed are neglected, while non-urgent matters are prioritized.
Now, the fundamental problem in managing avian influenza is how to map the virus strains and the characteristics of viruses in Indonesia. Finishing this mapping with full support from the budget and facilities-infrastructure is imperative, so all strains of AI viruses could be identified.

Without complete mapping, vaccination will not be effective. “After mapping is completed, we can identify the appropriate vaccine. After that, then control measures,” he said.
Currently, based on WHO categorization, AI transmission status in Indonesia has reached phase three. It means that avian influenza viruses have transmitted from birds to human. “Hence, focus all efforts in prevention of transmission, not muddle in the possibility of a pandemic and tamiflu,” he said.
Redesign
Once mapping is finished and all virus strains and characteristics are known, the government must dare to redesign (reengineer) avian influenza procedures.
Soehadji reminds us, that the keyword of handling AI is that it’s zoonoses. Therefore the disease must be handled with precaution. If people are concerned with viral mutation, epidemiological approaches must be taken.
The method is by tracing all strains of AI viruses in Indonesia, finding its host or reservoir, and maintaining the health of all farm environments.
International benefit
According to researcher of the Tropical Disease Diagnostic Center of Airlangga University, CA Nidom, DVM, mapping of avian influenza virus not only benefits Indonesia, but also the international society.
Unfortunately, we still don’t know which areas have birds that are virus reservoirs. So far, all mapping of avian influenza virus distribution is based on cases of poultry death due to AI.
“With the phenomenon of chickens being carriers, the determination of an area to be endemic will be more difficult,” he said. Therefore, mapping is very important. “Because disease doesn’t suddenly appear like an earthquake, there is a process. Surveillance is needed to early detect viral development from time to time,” said Nidom.
Surveillance should be focused in AI susceptible animals, such as chickens, ducks, and migratory birds using rapid tests or laboratory tests. Surveillance must also be conducted in traditional markets.
Besides mapping in birds, national surveillance in human is also important. “To answer why most avian influenza cases in human occur in West Java, Banten, and Jabotabek even though these areas have the same risk as other areas,” he said. (EVY/MAS)
Source: Kompas