Research that works for developing countries and Australia

 

Control and characterisation of highly pathogenic avian influenza strains in poultry in Indonesia

Project ID:
AH/2006/050: Control and characterisation of highly pathogenic avian influenza strains in poultry in Indonesia
Collaborating Countries:
Indonesia
Commissioned Organisation:
University of Melbourne, Australia
Project Leader
Dr Jagodina Ignjatovic
Phone: (03) 9731 2036
Fax: (03) 9731 2366
Email: jagodai@unimelb.edu.au
Collaborating Institutions:
  • CSIRO Livestock Industries, Australia
  • Directorate General of Livestock Services, Indonesia
  • Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Indonesia
  • AusVet Animal Health Services, Australia
Project Budget:
$1,021,840
Project Duration:
01/03/2007 - 28/02/2010
ACIAR Research Program Manager
Dr Doug Gray
Project Overview

Avian influenza was first reported in Indonesia in 2003. The highly pathogenic avian influenza strain H5N1 has since spread to 30 of Indonesia's 33 provinces. More than nine million chickens are estimated to have been destroyed or died, with 55 human fatalities also reported, all believed linked to handling infected poultry. The Indonesian Government has opted for control by vaccination, based on strategies developed elsewhere. These are not always appropriate for a geographically diverse country where much poultry production is unstructured. The efficacy of vaccines and multiple strains of avian influenza mean that some vaccinations may not be effective. Scientific knowledge of the virus and its reactions in vaccinated animals will be collated to help develop a more effective and targeted vaccine campaign.