A fourth case of highly pathogenic bird flu has been detected in Victoria, leading to a farm being placed in quarantine. Tests have identified the H7N3 strain of avian influenza at a poultry farm within the Golden Plains Shire, west of Melbourne. This comes amid the World Health Organisation advising of the first global death of influenza A (H5N2) in Mexico.
The latest farm in Victoria is within a restricted area where movement controls were already in place due to the bird flu being detected at other properties. Agriculture Victoria noted consumers do not need to be worried about eggs and poultry products from the supermarket. “All poultry will be safely disposed of under veterinary supervision, consistent with national policies and the sites will be cleaned and cleared of the infection.
” Victoria chief veterinary officer Graeme Cooke wasn’t surprised by the detection of bird flu, attributing it to the “ongoing surveillance activities” by staff within restricted areas. “Avian influenza is a viral disease of birds found globally, many species of wild birds, including waterfowl and seabirds can carry the virus but usually show no signs of disease,” he said. “We remind bird owners that housing birds, where practical, is an effective method of minimising direct contact with wild birds.
” Dr. Cooke also advised bird owners to follow best biosecurity practices including keeping poultry, sheds, yards, aviaries, and equipment clean and restricting contact between po.
