Introduction
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N1 is now endemic in many parts of Indonesia. This situation has revealed, among other constraints, a lack of human resource capacity in many institutions especially in terms of understanding of, and experience in, the control of poultry diseases. An example of this situation is the endemicity of Newcastle disease and Very Virulent Infectious Bursal Disease; outbreaks of these diseases, particularly in smallholder and village flocks, are not actively reported or controlled. This paper reviews the key components required for the implementation of a successful HPAI prevention and control programme.
Prerequisites for effective HPAI prevention and control
The effective control of HPAI requires:
• understanding the behaviour and ecology of influenza viruses, in general, and of its subtype, in particular;
• understanding the perspective and decision-making processes of key stakeholders (e.g. poultry producers from all production systems, workers, traders, disease control officers) with regard to poultry health and disease control;
• understanding the different local poultry production and marketing systems, specifically and within the wider system (for example, within the local farming system for sectors 3 and 4);
• understanding how the characteristics of the local poultry production and marketing systems affect the evolution of HPAI;
• mobilizing all stakeholders to engage in the preparation of HPAI responses and actively practise adequate measures in the three different phases of an HPAI outbreak (prevention, occurrence and post-outbreak; Bagnol, Reference BAGNOL2007);
• ensuring that donors, national governments, media and civil society collaborate and are involved in the development of the strategy;
• adapting the communication process to the dynamics of outbreaks and the needs of the different stakeholders (Alders and Bagnol, Reference ALDERS and BAGNOL2007).
Implementing HPAI prevention and control
Cost-efficient prevention and control of HPAI are built on a sustainable poultry health programme that incorporates collaborative research and development activities involving the public and private sectors. The programme must provide appropriate education, communication and services to: all poultry producers, workers and traders; community animal health workers; field veterinarians including Participatory Disease Surveillance and Response (PDSR) Officers, livestock officers and extension workers; and senior-decision makers at national, provincial and district levels.
Conclusions
Education and communication materials developed in collaboration with field veterinarians (both public and private) and small-scale and village poultry producers involved in HPAI prevention and control facilitate more effective communication and provide information appropriate to the local context.
Acknowledgements
Collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture is gratefully acknowledged. The FAO programme in Indonesia receives valuable financial support from the United States Agency for International Development, the Australian Agency for International Development and the Japan Trust Fund.
