New Outbreak of Avian Influenza Detected in Victoria, Australia Amid Global H5N1 Concerns
Source: The DairyNews
Officials in Victoria, Australia have reported a new outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a poultry farm in the southeastern state, according to Reuters.
This announcement came just one day after Australia reported its first human case of the virus and identified another strain at an egg farm. The human infection involves the H5N1 strain, which has been spreading globally, while the outbreaks on the Victorian farms are caused by a different strain, H7N3.
Agriculture Victoria issued a statement confirming that the strain found at the Terang poultry farm is the same H7N3 strain that led to numerous poultry deaths at the Meredith egg farm. Both farms are connected through shared management, staff, and machinery, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.
Victoria's Chief Veterinarian, Graeme Cooke, stated that specialized staff are already on-site in an effort to contain and eradicate the virus. The region had previously dealt with an H7N7 outbreak in 2020, part of Australia's history of effectively managing and eliminating Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) since 1976.
In related news, the United States has confirmed a second human case of bird flu, raising concerns about the potential spread to humans following recent infections among dairy cattle in at least nine states since late March. These developments underscore the ongoing global challenge posed by different strains of avian influenza.
Agriculture Victoria issued a statement confirming that the strain found at the Terang poultry farm is the same H7N3 strain that led to numerous poultry deaths at the Meredith egg farm. Both farms are connected through shared management, staff, and machinery, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.
Victoria's Chief Veterinarian, Graeme Cooke, stated that specialized staff are already on-site in an effort to contain and eradicate the virus. The region had previously dealt with an H7N7 outbreak in 2020, part of Australia's history of effectively managing and eliminating Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) since 1976.
In related news, the United States has confirmed a second human case of bird flu, raising concerns about the potential spread to humans following recent infections among dairy cattle in at least nine states since late March. These developments underscore the ongoing global challenge posed by different strains of avian influenza.
