- Bird flu detected at second Sydney farm
- Some 87,000 birds will be slaughtered
A highly infectious strain of bird flu has been detected at a second Sydney farm in the Hawkesbury region, which will require authorities to cull 87,000 birds over the next seven weeks.
The case was confirmed by the New South Wales government on Saturday night and was found 1.5 kilometers from the farm where the initial case of bird flu was detected last week.
Testing by CSIRO’s Australian Center for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) confirmed the strain was highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H7N8, the same strain that was detected at the nearby farm.
However, the virus is not the same strain that ravages seven farms in Victoria, or the H5N1 virus that has infected more than 97 million birds and 118 dairy herds in the United States.
The second farm has been closed since Wednesday, after bird flu was detected on a large mixed free-range and poultry farm, affecting around 240,000 birds.
The case was confirmed by the NSW Government on Saturday night and was found 1.5km from the farm where the initial case of bird flu was detected last week (file image).
The outbreak is believed to be due to an indirect event, such as possible infection by a wild bird.
A 2 kilometer lockdown order was immediately implemented, covering three other large commercial poultry farms, including the farm where Saturday’s detection was confirmed.
The order restricted the movement of eggs, birds and machinery within the confinement site,
NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty welcomed the support and collaboration of the poultry industry and said the virus did not affect eggs or poultry meat, which was safe to eat as long as it was handled and Cook in accordance with safe food practices.
Supply chains have been largely unaffected; However, Coles has implemented a two-dozen purchase limit in all states and territories except Western Australia.
Supply chains have been largely unaffected; However, Coles has implemented a two-dozen purchase limit in all states and territories except Western Australia.
People have been urged to report any sick or dead birds “as a priority” via the animal disease emergency hotline on 1800 675 888.
