Bogor, W Java (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Government has been collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) implementing better biosecurity measures to overcome diseases and fighting Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in all chicken layer farms across the country.

The implementation of improved biosecurity measures, which has proven to help stabilize the daily egg production up to 90 percent on average, is supported by the National Layer Chicken Farmers' Association (PPN), FAO revealed in its press statement that ANTARA received here on Friday.

The firm support for the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and FAO's efforts to implement the improved biosecurity measures and fighting AMR on layer chicken farms across the country was conveyed by PPN at its national convention in Solo, Central Java, on Thursday (April 25).

With the support of United States Agency for International Development (USAID, FAO Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD) and layer chicken farmers have proven that biosecurity interventions are effective, yet inexpensive ways to prevent the threat of Avian Influenza (AI) virus emerging on chicken farms.

The final study conducted by FAO ECTAD found that the implementation of biosecurity 3-zone at the layer farms had significantly reduced the use of antibiotic up to 40 percent and disinfectant up to 30 percent, FAO revealed.

"Improved biosecurity should become a basic standard for layer chicken farms in producing eggs that are safe for public consumption," FAO ECTAD Team Leader James McGrane was quoted as saying.

William Slater, USAID Health Director strengthened James' statement by saying that from the disease prevention perspective, strict on-farm biosecurity is the first line of defense against the persistent threat of avian influenza (AI) outbreaks and economic loss.

Meanwhile, Director General of Animal Husbandry and Health, Dr. Ketut Diarmita, who also attended the event highlighted the importance of having a valid data on the poultry industry, such as the number of farmers, population data, and production data.

"Thus the Government can help finding the right solutions on the poultry industry, especially on layer farms," he said.

As part of the PPN's commitment, this association's presidium chairman, Yudianto Yogiarso, said a total of 1,250 PPN members have been advised to implement strict biosecurity measures on their layer chicken farms to maintain stable, safe and healthy egg production for consumers.

This year’s PPN National Convention highlights the theme "Strong Association Great Farmers in Welcoming the Industrial Era 4.0".

Reporter: Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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