Biosecurity Emergency Declared In New South Wales Due To H7N8 Outbreak While Victoria Facing A H7N3 And H7N9 Crisis. H5N1 Also In Australia!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 20, 2024 6 months, 3 days, 20 minutes ago
Influenza News: A severe outbreak of avian influenza has prompted a biosecurity emergency in New South Wales (NSW) and is causing significant concern in Victoria. The highly pathogenic H7N8 strain of bird flu has been detected in NSW, leading to massive culling efforts. Meanwhile, the H7N3 and H7N9 strains are wreaking havoc in Victoria. Adding to the complexity, the globally notorious H5N1 strain has also been found in Australia and continues to be a concern due to its high transmission rates and potential impact on both animals and humans.
Biosecurity Emergency Declared In New South Wales Due To H7N8
Outbreak While Victoria Facing A H7N3 And H7N9 Crisis. H5N1 Also In Australia
New South Wales: The H7N8 Outbreak
In NSW, authorities have taken swift action following the detection of the H7N8 strain of avian influenza at a poultry egg farm in Sydney's north. The outbreak has resulted in the death of 8,000 birds and the euthanization of an additional 240,000 to prevent the virus from spreading further.
According to local
Influenza News, this incident occurred at a mixed barnyard and free-range poultry farm in the Hawkesbury area.
https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/animals/biosecurity-emergency-declared-as-birds-killed-after-bird-flu-outbreak/news-story/59c8867c6d66efdf2fc07a4f2acd4c96
https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/bird-flu-detected-in-nsw-as-commercial-farm-is-sent-into-lockdown/ar-BB1ouR1i
The H7N8 strain, while different from H7N3 and H7N9 strains found in Victoria, poses a significant threat to poultry health and the industry at large. This virus is highly contagious and deadly to birds, making containment and eradication efforts critical.
Immediate Measures and Lockdown
NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty confirmed the detection of the H7N8 strain, which is believed to have originated from wild birds. In response, the NSW Government has enacted its emergency biosecurity incident plan. This includes a lockdown of chicken industry farms surrounding the affected property. A control order has been issued to halt the movement of machinery, materials, animals, and transport within a 2 km radius of the infected farm.
Three large commercial poultry farms, housing up to 355,000 birds, are under strict surveillance for any signs of the virus. "There will be no movement of eggs, birds, or machinery out of the zone during the control order," stated Minister Moriarty, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Government and Industry Collaboration
To support the impacted producers, a funding
agreement involving the Commonwealth, the egg industry, and other states has been activated. This financial aid aims to compensate those directly affected by the outbreak.
Additionally, the NSW chief veterinary officer is leading the response efforts in coordination with key industry organizations.
The collaboration between government authorities, industry stakeholders, and health officials is essential to managing this crisis. Meetings with key industry organizations have been held to discuss the next steps and ensure that all possible measures are being taken to control the outbreak.
Public Health and Safety
Minister Moriarty reassured NSW consumers that eggs and poultry products remain safe for consumption. The detection of H7N8 poses no risk to public health as long as standard food handling and cooking procedures are followed. Avian influenza transmission to humans is rare, typically requiring direct contact with infected birds or their secretions.
NSW Health is conducting risk assessments for individuals who had direct contact with the infected farm. Symptoms of avian influenza in humans are usually mild, resembling common flu symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, muscle aches, respiratory issues, and conjunctivitis.
Victoria: The H7N3 and H7N9 Strains
While NSW grapples with H7N8, Victoria is facing challenges from the H7N3 and H7N9 strains of avian influenza. These strains, although different, pose similar threats to poultry and potentially to human health. The outbreaks in Victoria have necessitated stringent biosecurity measures across the state, with authorities working tirelessly to contain the virus and prevent it from spreading to other regions.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/the-mysterious-rise-of-highly-pathogenic-h7n3-avian-flu-in-melbourne-fifth-poultry-farm-now-infected
The Ongoing Threat of H5N1
The H5N1 strain of avian influenza, which has caused outbreaks globally, remains a constant threat. This strain is notorious for its high transmission rates among birds and potential for severe impact on human health. There has been a reported human case of H5N1 in Australia so far and there has also been reports of wildlife in parts of Australia having died from H5N1 and H5N2 infection.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-case-of-child-in-australia-infected-with-h5n1-two-months-ago-after-trip-to-india-raise-concerns-that-governments-are-concealing-h5n1-cases
H5N1 has infected billions of wild and farmed animals globally and has raised significant fears regarding human transmission. Although human infections are rare, the potential for a pandemic scenario keeps health authorities on high alert.
Conclusion
The avian influenza outbreaks in NSW and Victoria highlight the critical need for rapid response and stringent biosecurity measures to contain the virus and prevent further spread. The collaboration between government authorities, industry stakeholders, and health officials is essential to managing this crisis and ensuring the safety of both the poultry industry and the general public.
As efforts continue to control these outbreaks, public awareness and adherence to biosecurity measures are crucial. The situation remains dynamic, and ongoing monitoring and responsive actions will be necessary to mitigate the impact of avian influenza on the poultry industry and public health.
For the latest
Influenza News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/western-australia-health-officials-say-that-covid-19-hospitalizations-are-rising-due-kp-x-strain-wtf-is-kp-x-strain
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-from-victoria-to-south-australia-and-new-south-wales-sars-cov-2-kp-variants-are-making-hospitals-go-down-under
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