Australia: AI found on second farm

A second farm in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has tested positive for the presence of H7 Avian Influenza.

Initial tests at the State Government’s Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute have confirmed H7 Avian Influenza (AI) on an egg farm north of Young. And the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has quarantined the property.

The DPI’s first response team has the property under lockdown and planning is underway for eradication of the virus in line with nationally agreed protocols.

“This case follows the confirmation of H7 Avian Influenza in a flock of layer hens, also near Young, last week,” NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Ian Roth said.

“It is believed that the second case may be linked to the initial facility. Further tracing is underway to determine whether this is the case.

“The virus is definitely not the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain that has gained worldwide attention – nor is it closely related to that strain.”

Mr Roth said the peak egg and poultry industry bodies have been advised and the property owners are co-operating with authorities.

“The depopulation of the first infected property near Young, confirmed last week, has been completed,” he said.

The NSW Food Authority has confirmed that there are no food safety issues and that poultry and eggs remain safe to eat.

Backyard birdowners in the Young and Cowra districts are being advised to check the health of their chickens and other birds daily and to report any unusual signs.