March 2, 2021

Australia regains bird flu freedom status

Australia has regained freedom status from the highly pathogenic bird flu in accordance with World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) guidelines, following successful eradication of outbreaks in Victoria and ongoing surveillance showing no further evidence of the virus among poultry in Australia.

David Littleproud, Australia's Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, said the country has a strong biosecurity system and measures in place to manage the risk of animal diseases entering Australia from other countries.

He also said three months has passed since disinfection processes were completed at the infected areas, and ongoing surveillance and tracing has not detected any further spread of bird flu, adding that this means Australia has regained freedom from high pathogenicity brid flu in accordance with international guidelines published by the WHO.

The minister said this is important in re-establishing export markers that have implemented trade restrictions on poultry and poultry products from Australia.

- Australian government