October 22, 2013

Australia confirms local bird flu outbreak not linked to H5N1

Australia's Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has confirmed that a bird flu outbreak at an egg farm near Young,  central-west New South Wales, does not belong to the deadly H5N1 strain.

The outbreak of the H7 strain is believed to be detected on the property late last week. The DPI reported that the infection has killed 2,000 chickens but has been told that the death toll is likely to be as high as 6,000.

New South Wales' food authority chief scientist, Lisa Szabo, has confirmed through a statement that the poultry and eggs remain safe for consumption.

The DPI's chief veterinary scientist, Ian Roth, believes that the chickens may have contracted the infection from wild ducks on or near the property. He added that work is now being done to determine whether the virus has spread. Meanwhile, a 10-kilometre quarantine radius has been set up around the farm.

According to Roth, the bird flu broke out in a free range flock and has spread to caged chickens. With 400,000 chickens in the property, health and veterinary authorities will meet to decide actions on the livestock.

"We look at whether it's technically feasible to eradicate this disease and the second one is the funding side of things. And if that all happens and it's supported, then this flock of birds will be culled."

Late in 2012, the DPI and Livestock Health and Pest Authority have successfully eradicated an outbreak of H7 avian influenza at an egg farm near Maitland, in the Lower Hunter of New South Wales.