Indonesian death will be followed by others
July 4th, 2006
Indonesia’s bird flu death toll rose to 41 after a 5 year old boy succumbed to the illness. Authorities say that, considering the virus is now present in 27 provinces, it is highly likely that this victim will be followed by others. The boy himself contracted the disease from dead chickens afflicted by the deadly H5N1 strain. His family members have been also tested, but the results have not yet been announced.
Indonesia has been severely criticized for not using the usual routine of mass culling of the poultry in the infected areas, experts agreeing this is the best way to eradicate the virus. However the Indonesian government says it cannot afford to compensate the farmers for the fowl it has to kill. Vietnam is still the worst struck country by the disease, reporting 42 human casualties so far. However this year there have been no cases recorded so far, as officials have decided to use an aggressive culling policy.