With bird flu already claiming at least 11 lives in Indonesia, Jakartans are aware that the lethal virus is a problem, however they do not appear to be overly worried compared to other Asia-Pacific countries, a survey shows.

Conducted in Jakarta early this month by Taylor Nelson Sofres ( TNS) -- a leading London-based market research company, the survey found that 77 percent of 300 respondents aged from 17 to 65 have chosen to eat less poultry, indicating that some precautions are being taken.

On the other hand, the research published Saturday by The Jakarta Post newspaper shows a lack of knowledge among people, as cooking chickens generally kills the virus provided the meat is heated to 70 Celsius degree or higher.

Almost 40 percent of respondents expect avian flu to become a serious problem within six months, while 48 percent said it would be longer than six months.

"Indonesians, at least in Jakarta, recognize that bird flu is a 'real' problem. At the moment they eat less poultry, but what they want is more security through a vaccination program," TNS Indonesia managing director Hans Lang said.

The Indonesian government confirmed on Thursday that a man and a boy died of bird flu, bringing the country's fatalities from the virus to 11, and the total number of confirmed bird flu cases to 16.

Source: Xinhua