The World Bank is urging Indonesia to increase its budget for fighting bird flu, and warning the virus poses a serious threat to the country's economy.
The Bank's country director in Indonesia, Andrew Steer, Thursday advised the government against plans to scale back funding for bird flu programs next year. He said international investors are wary of doing business in Indonesia because of bird flu concerns.
Indonesia has allocated $46.5 million for bird flu programs next year, down from the $54.4 million it reserved for the fight this year.
Bird flu has hit Indonesia harder than any other country in the world, killing 46 people.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.
