According to a reporter in Sydney, authorities in New South Wales confirmed on June 19 the outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain H7N8 in the Greater Sydney area, following the quarantine of a poultry farm in the state due to the detection of the bird flu.
Specifically, the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H7N8 was detected at an egg-laying poultry farm in Hawkesbury and confirmed through testing by the Australian Centre for Disease Control on June 19. The H7N8 strain is different from the globally concerning H5N1 strain and is not related to the outbreaks of H7N3 and H7N9 in Victoria, Australia.
Australia detects highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H7N8 in New South Wales. (Photo: abc.net.au).
In a statement, New South Wales Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty noted that this is a distinct outbreak, likely originating from wild bird species. The New South Wales government has activated an emergency response campaign to address the animal disease outbreaks. An official control order was announced on the afternoon of June 19 to expand biosecurity measures within a radius of 1-2 km around the farm.
Rowan McMonnies, CEO of the Australian Egg Industry, expressed hope that early detection would help prevent further spread. He stated that wild birds in Australia are causing farmers in the egg production industry to face a harsher winter, and the timing of this strain’s emergence is particularly notable, as Victoria is also grappling with challenges related to avian influenza in recent weeks.
McMonnies remarked that Victoria has taken timely and effective actions to prevent avian influenza cases in a designated area infected with the virus, and he expressed hope that New South Wales would achieve similar successes.
Greg Parkinson, CEO of the Australian Duck Association, mentioned that there are currently two duck farms within the control area, each housing approximately 20,000 ducks. Therefore, authorities will conduct large-scale virus testing. He noted that this is a tense time for Australia’s poultry industry, but if the sector persists with the outlined plans, it could overcome challenges in the coming weeks.
