An Indonesian academic will discuss his research into the risks associated with transmission of avian influenza and swine fever with researchers at Charles Sturt University (CSU) on Thursday 17 February. Dr Muktasam Abdurrahman, a social scientist specialising in rural community development with Indonesia’s Mataram University, is assessing the risk of avian flu and swine fever in eastern Indonesia through the movements of poultry and pig between the islands of Bali, Lombok, Flores, Sumba and West Timor. “He will highlight social, cultural and environmental dimensions to the spread of these diseases, which have important implications for Australia’s biosecurity,” says CSU researcher and host, Dr Joanne Millar. Dr Muktasam is in Albury to present a seminar and work with Dr Millar who has also been investigating livestock movements in eastern Indonesia.