# 7894
With the exception of China’s recently emerged H7N9 - H7 viruses are generally considered to pose only a low threat to human health (see A Brief History Of H7 Avian Flu Infections), but can produce devastating losses for the poultry industry. Last week (see NSW: H7 Avian Influenza Reported In Poultry) we learned of an HPAI (Highly pathogenic Avian Influenza) outbreak in New South Wales, where 400,000 chickens were ordered destroyed.
Today, NSW’s DPI (Department of Primary Industries) has announced that a second farm has tested positive for the avian H7 virus.
Second NSW farm detected with Avian Influenza
24 Oct 2013
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has quarantined a second egg farm north of Young.
Initial tests at the State Government’s Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute have confirmed H7 Avian Influenza (AI) on 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 today.
“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.
Visit the Avian Influenza page for regular updates on the AI response.
MEDIA NOTE: It is critical that the media and other unauthorised people respect biosecurity and quarantine arrangements and do not enter an infected property.
Media contact: NSW DPI media and communications unit: (02) 6391 3686
Although initial testing has only revealed an H7 avian virus, the first farm was identified as having the H7N2 virus.
The media note at the end of this statement is a direct reference to the flap last week over allegations that the media `trespassed’ on to quarantined property – a charge that was rebutted by reporters who insisted no signage had been posted to that effect (see NSW: 400K Birds To Be Culled For H7N2 Outbreak).
In a related story, we have Federal agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce interviewed on Australia’s National Rural News, explaining how `free range’ poultry are more susceptible to contracting avian flu. Follow the link to listen to the 2 min 34 sec audio file:
Free range encourages avian influenza: Barnaby Joyce
Federal agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce says any increase in free range egg production would lead to more bird flu outbreaks.
Note: The bird flu discussed by Mr Joyce is the H7 strain, which is not the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain that kills humans.
Lisa Herbert
