ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Victoria state government announced third poultry farm near Melbourne has been affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu). However, this strain differs from the one causing global concerns about potential human transmission.
Last month, Australian authorities had already culled hundreds of thousands of birds following the discovery of bird flu at two egg farms. The latest farm affected is situated within close proximity to the initial infected site, and both farms share the H7N3 strain of the virus, unlike the H7N9 strain found at another farm, according to state officials.
All three farms are under quarantine, with movement restrictions imposed in the surrounding areas. Graeme Cooke, Victoria’s chief veterinary officer, emphasized that the detection of avian influenza at the additional property was anticipated due to ongoing surveillance efforts within the restricted areas.
The government assured consumers that there is no risk associated with consuming eggs and poultry products from the affected areas.
Australia has experienced nine outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) since 1976, all of which were successfully contained and eradicated.
While a different strain of bird flu, H5N1, has caused widespread devastation globally in recent years, leading to significant bird fatalities and occasional human infections, the current outbreaks in Australia remain distinct.