The Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO) on Monday announced that it would set up an emergency team of experts to help Indonesia in the fight against bird flu.

"The serious bird flu situation in Indonesia, where several human death cases have been recorded recently, requires a strong coordinated response involving all players from the national level down to many districts and local communities," said Joseph Domenech, FAO's chief Veterinary Officers.

The UN organization is concerned about the presence of bird flu virus in the small flocks of millions of backyard poultry farmers as rural communities in the country seem to lack the awareness about the threat of the virus.

The task force will involve national veterinary authorities, ministries, the World Health Organization and the World Food Program for logistical support, Joseph said.

FAO will establish in hot-spot areas local disease control centers, which will offer updated information and train animal health technicians and veterinarians on how to carry out rapid disease search and control, said animal health officer Peter Roeder who will head the team in Indonesia.

Animal health workers will be required to go from house to house in affected areas to search for sick birds and decide with the authorities on specific controlling measures.

FAO will also bring in a team of experienced Thai veterinarians to share their opinion with Indonesian expects and help train animal health technicians in the country, said Roeder.

He said non-governmental organizations are expected to play a dominate role in community outreach and coordination activities.

Source: Xinhua