Bhareassures That Preventative Measures Are in Place

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BHAreassures that Preventative measures are in place

Bali– 24th September 2005

Bali Hotels Association(BHA) has issued a statement following the recent cases of bird flu elsewhere in Indonesia by reassuring that preventative measures have been in place for quite some time to alleviate any risk of bird flu spreading to the island of Bali. There are no reports of any Bird Flu in Bali. BHA has maintained close contact and communications with the Department of Livestock in Bali as well as the WHO and PATA.

“Following some in depth research it is clear that there have been some very proactive steps already taken by the government prior to the recent cases” commented Robert Kelsall, Chairman of the association. In July 2005 the Department of Livestock issued a directive banning the import of chicken, ducks and pigs from outside Bali as a precautionary measure to isolate Bali from any risk. In addition to this they added some precautionary steps that should be adopted in all regions of Bali which included increased vigilance and monitoring of live stock, guidelines for improvement in sanitary and hygiene standards on the farms and limited access in and out of the farms.

The main chicken suppliers on the island have verified that they are following the guidelines laid down by the Department of Livestock (DOL) and in addition to fumigation every five days, the DOL are conducting regular vaccinations of livestock as a preventative measure on a regular basis. Random specimens are also sent for laboratory tests on a regular basis to ensure that the livestock is healthy before selling to the consumers.

As asserted by the WHO “there is no evidence to suggest that yet that the virus could be easily passed between people” and “so far no biological evidence for the increased chance of human-to-human transmission”

The Avian Flu (H5N1) can only be caught by contact with the secretion of infected poultry and evidence to date says that you are not at risk of catching bird flu by eating cooked chicken or eggs.

You are not at risk of bird flu in visiting areas where bird flu is confirmed unless you come in to direct contact with contaminated animals. The risk to travellers is therefore minimal.

As a precautionary measure BHA has issued guidelines to its’ member hotels in terms of food handling and hygiene standards as well as ensuring the proper treatment, receiving and cooking of poultry and eggs to minimise any risks.

Bali Hotels are recording record high occupancies for the month of September and a 10% increase on the previous year. Year to date figures are indicating a 14% increase in occupancies over 2004.

Bali Hotels Association is a professional association of hotel General Managers from 66 star rated hotels and resorts on the Island of Bali. BHA has a comprehensive website at along with a listing of all member hotels.

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For more information please contact

Tusi Mega Sari

Bali Hotels Association Executive

Tel: 62 361 753371

Secretariat Office: c/o Bali Dynasty Resort, Jln Kartika, PO Box 2047, Tuban, South Kuta, Bali, Indonesia 80361 Tel: 753371 Fax 757219

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