May 24, 2024

Avian influenza detected on egg farm near Melbourne, Australia

Avian influenza has been detected on an egg farm near Melbourne, Australia, the country's agriculture ministry announced, Reuters reported.

Preliminary test results indicate that the strain is different from the one that has been spreading globally and infecting dairy cows in the US.

Authorities reported that several poultry have died at the farm, which has now been placed under quarantine. The agriculture ministry stated that tests are ongoing to identify the specific type and severity of the virus.

H5N1 bird flu has been spreading into the US cattle herd after infecting wild birds and poultry flocks globally for more than two years, also killing several mammal species that likely contracted the virus from consuming sick or dead birds.

Australia has so far remained free of the H5N1 virus.

-      Reuters