Australia detects highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H7N8

According to a reporter in Sydney, New South Wales authorities on June 19 confirmed an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H7N8 avian influenza strain in the Greater Sydney area, after a poultry farm in the state was quarantined due to the discovery of bird flu infection.

Specifically, the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H7N8 was detected at an egg-laying poultry farm in the Hawkesbury district and confirmed by testing by the Australian Center for Disease Control on June 19. The H7N8 strain is not the same as the H5N1 strain that is causing global concern and is also not related to the H7N3 and H7N9 outbreaks in Victoria (Australia).

Australia detects highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H7N8 in New South Wales state. (Photo: abc.net.au).

In a statement, New South Wales Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said it was an isolated outbreak that likely originated in wild birds. The NSW government has activated its emergency response to animal diseases. A formal control order was issued on the afternoon of June 19, extending biosecurity controls to a 1-2km radius around the farm.

Australian egg industry chief executive Rowan McMonnies said he hoped early detection would help contain the spread. He said wild birds in Australia were exposing egg farmers to a harsher winter and the timing of the strain was remarkable, given Victoria has also been struggling with bird flu challenges in recent weeks.

Mr McMonnies said Victoria had acted promptly and effectively to contain bird flu cases in an area identified as being infected with the virus, and expressed hope that New South Wales would have similar success.

Australian Duck Meat Association CEO Greg Parkinson said there were currently two duck farms in the containment zone, each with about 20,000 ducks. As a result, authorities would be conducting extensive virus testing. He said it was a stressful time for the Australian poultry industry, but if the industry stuck to its plans, it could weather the storm in the coming weeks.