Perspectives on the 2003 and 2004 Avian Influenza Outbreak in Bali and Lombok

In this article, background research for potential policies to contain avian influenza (AI) in Southeast Asia is provided. The author discusses (a) factors influencing spread of AI in Indonesia, (b) ways animal health institutions in Indonesia work, (c) risk associated with AI, and (d) a possible framework for analyzing effectiveness of public and private responses to the disease. The government of Indonesia (GOI) policies and responses to the outbreak in the eastern islands' poultry industry are described. Based on interviews, Indonesian farmer responses may be affected by five factors: (1) geographical location of the farm, (2) time since the outbreak began, (3) whether the farmer was a layer, broiler, or kampung (local) chicken producer, (4) size and development of the farm, and (5) contractual arrangements under which production is occurring. A bioeconomic framework suitable for analyzing these problems is developed and presented.