BREAKING NEWS Avian Influenza 1 16/10 The H7 Avian Influenza has been found in a flock of 400,000 layer hens near Young, NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Ian Roth said today. The results were confirmed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) Diagnostic Laboratories and the CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health Laboratory. “The results confirmed the virus is the H7 Avian Influenza strain and NOT the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain that has gained worldwide attention. “The property has been quarantined and DPI’s First Response Team has been activated to oversee the response and work with the property owners and the egg industry. “The remaining birds on the property have to now be culled in line with national procedures. The property is now quarantined within a 10km radius and extensive surveillance and tracing is now underway to ensure the virus doesn’t spread.” The NSW Food Authority has confirmed that there are no food safety issues and that poultry and eggs remain safe to eat. According to Lisa Azabo the State Food Authority Chief Scientist There is no evidence that eating food from farms that have been affected by avian influenza have ever caused human illness. Mr Roth said Australia has previously had a small number of outbreaks of H7 Avian Influenza viruses which were all quickly and successfully eradicated. “Late last year, the DPI and Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA) successfully eradicated an outbreak of H7 Avian Influenza at an egg farm near Maitland,” Mr Roth said. People who notice sick or dead birds should contact their local Vet or call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888
Posted on: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 07:31:50 +0000
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