October 25, 2013

New South Wales egg farm detects bird flu

After tests confirmed H7 avian influenza on the property, a second New South Wales (NSW) egg farm has been quarantined, Australia's NSW government said Thursday (Oct 24).

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) said its first response team had the property north of Young under lockdown and planning is underway for eradication of the bird flu virus in line with nationally agreed protocols.

The case follows the confirmation of H7 avian influenza in a flock of 400,000 egg laying chickens also near Young a week ago. NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Ian Roth said it's believed the second case may be linked to the initial facility.

"Further tracing is underway to determine whether this is the case," he said in the statement. "The virus is definitely not the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain that has gained worldwide attention -- nor is it closely related to that strain."

Roth said the peak egg and poultry industry bodies have been advised and the property owners are cooperating with authorities. The depopulation of the first infected property near Young, confirmed last week, has been completed, he said.

The NSW Food Authority has confirmed that there are no food safety issues and that poultry and eggs remain safe to eat.