C. Jakarta to launch vaccination campaign

C. Jakarta to launch vaccination campaign

JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta administration is gearing up for
an anthrax and avian flu vaccination campaign.

Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Office Director Sigit said that
the campaign was being mounted to ensure that there would be no
outbreaks of the diseases in Jakarta.

"The vaccines are free," he said on Monday.

Sigit added that although the number of poultry, cows and
goats in the municipality was low, the vaccination campaign was
still necessary because the diseases were highly contagious.

"Humans can contract anthrax, not only by eating the meat of
an infected animal, but even by touching a drop of the animal's
blood. In addition, we can also contract the disease by eating
raw vegetables grown in anthrax-infected soil," Sigit explained.

The free vaccines can be obtained by contacting local farmers
groups. -- Antara