January 17, 2014

Australia confirms absence of bird flu outbreaks

According to the fifth follow up report received by the OIE on January 15, there have been no further outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) since October 2013.

The report also said that no new outbreaks of H7N2 bird flu have taken place.

According to the OIE, final surveillance of sentinel and re-stocker birds completed with negative results. All other surveillance also remains negative.

On-going surveillance will occur on poultry or wild birds with signs consistent with potential avian influenza.

Contact with wild species has been identified as the major cause of outbreaks in the country.

In order to control the situation, control measures such as stamping out, quarantine, movement control inside the country, screening, zoning and disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s) have been applied. However, vaccination has been prohibited and none of the affected birds have received treatment.