spread outside of the location where bird flu cases were determined, the precautionary measures remain in effect. The Ministry of Agriculture, Stock Breeding and Fisheries (LVV) is keeping a close eye on the situation and is also still waiting for the lab results. Acting Stock Breeding director Gerald Tjon A San explained that inspectors carry out inspections every day to keep the virus from spreading. The inspections are conducted within a 7 kilomer radius of the site where the infections where detected and at locations where contaminated material was taken to. All of the suspected poultry farms have reportedly tested negative for bird flu. Tjon A San pointed out that an observation period of 28 to 39 days is required before a final conclusion can be made. The investigation that is aimed at determining the specific type of virus and its origin is still ongoing. The samples must reportedly be sent to a foreign laboratory. Five poultry firms were reportedly placed under quarantine but only two have been ‘releaded’. It is expected that two more will be released next week. The fifth company which is the one where the virus was initially detected will remain closed. The quarantine will be lifted after all of the contaminated material has been neutralized in the correct manner. Agriculture, Stock Breeding and Fisheries

Minister Mike Noersalim on Wednesday announced that the outbreak was contained at the locations that were hit. The ministry has not received any new reports regarding bird flu infections at other poultry firms. The minister pointed out that no agreement has been reached yet with the firms regarding the sum of money that will be paid as compensation.