Bird flu outbreak sparks panic in C. Java

BANJARNEGARA, Central Java (Jakarta Post) : An announcement on bird flu infections in chickens sparked a panic among residents of Susukan district in Banjarnegara regency.

Officials of the Banjarnegara Livestock Husbandry Office announced late last week that 23 chickens had tested positive to the deadly virus.

"We urge the government to handle the problem as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading to humans," Muhajir, a Banjarnegara resident, said Saturday.

"We're afraid there may be many other chickens which are infected with the virus."

Residents have become increasingly restless because aside from the bird flu announcement, hundreds of chickens have died without clear reason, Karangsalam village head Warso Haryono said.