Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Health has issued a circular in response to reports of an increase in bird flu or avian influenza cases in several countries to step up vigilance against the risk of transmission.In a statement received here on Wednesday, the ministry's acting director general of disease prevention and control, Yudhi Pramono, said that though the risk of bird flu transmission to humans globally is currently deemed low, anticipatory measures are still needed.
"We must be vigilant against the potential of bird flu's spread. Early preventive measures are key to protecting the public," he said.
According to him, bird flu in poultry is still endemic in Indonesia, with the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) viruses continuing to circulate.
Citing reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), he said that in December 2024, there was an increase in bird flu cases in mammals in various countries.
According to him, in 2024, the distribution of bird flu cases in the world, as reported by the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), showed 1 case in China, 2 in Vietnam, and 10 in Cambodia.
Meanwhile, Ghana recorded 1 case, United States 65 cases, Canada 1 case, Mexico 1 case, India 1 case, and Australia 1 case.
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"This circular is part of the national strategy that provides guidelines to targeted parties, among others, the health offices, health quarantine implementation units, and directors of hospitals," he informed.
He outlined that the anticipatory measures include strengthening the surveillance system to monitor cases, increasing the capacity of health facilities and laboratories for early detection, and pursuing cross-sector collaboration using the One Health approach.
Pramono also reminded the public to play an active role in prevention efforts by adopting a clean and healthy lifestyle.
One of the recommended steps for people to protect themselves and their environment is avoiding direct contact with sick poultry or poultry with sudden death.
"We believe that with sound cooperation between the government, health workers, and the community, the potential of the spread of bird flu can be curbed, while, at the same time, ensuring the public health is still maintained," he said.