BREAKING! Highly Pathogenic H7N7 Avian Flu Found In Farm In Victoria And H9N2 In Another Farm In Western Australia!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 24, 2024 5 months, 4 weeks, 1 day, 17 hours, 35 minutes ago
Influenza News: Australia is currently grappling with outbreaks of two difference types of avian influenza on farms in Victoria and Western Australia. The Victorian outbreak has been confirmed as the highly pathogenic H7N7 strain, while a farm in Western Australia has detected the low pathogenic H9N2 strain. These developments highlight the ongoing challenges in managing avian influenza and preventing its spread within the poultry industry. Of the two, the H7N7 is a high-risk threat to humans.
Highly Pathogenic H7N7 Avian Flu Found In Farm In Victoria
And H9N2 In Another Farm In Western Australia!
H7N7 Avian Flu in Victoria
The outbreak in Victoria was confirmed as the H7N7 strain by Agriculture Minister Murray Watt. This strain is different from the globally concerning H5 strain. The affected egg farm, located near Melbourne, has been quarantined following the death of several poultry. According to Victoria's Chief Veterinary Officer, Graeme Cooke, initial tests indicate that the virus likely originated from the wild bird population, a situation that has been observed in Australia before.
Cooke told local
Influenza News journalists that movement restrictions have been imposed in the area surrounding the farm, and all infected birds will be culled to prevent the virus from spreading further. He emphasized that the outbreak poses no risk to human health and that efforts are underway to contain the virus. This is particularly crucial given the high density of poultry businesses, including both egg-laying and poultry meat operations, in the area.
Historical Context of H7N7 in Australia
Australia has experienced nine episodes of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) since 1976, with the most recent involving the H7N7 strain in Victoria in 2020. Each outbreak was swiftly contained and eradicated. Australia remains the only continent free from the H5N1 avian influenza virus, which has caused significant global disruptions in recent months. The H5N1 strain has killed hundreds of millions of poultry and caused substantial losses in wild bird populations, leading to fears of human transmission due to its spread to various mammal species.
H9N2 Avian Flu in Western Australia
In Western Australia, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development detected the low pathogenic H9N2 strain. Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Katie Webb confirmed that this strain is not as serious as the H5 or H7 strains but still requires careful management to prevent further spread. The affected farm is under a pest control notice, restricting the movement of animals and products to manage the outbreak.
Webb emphasized the importance of biosecurity measures to prevent contact between poultry and wild birds, reducing the risk of avian influenza introduction. Poultry keepers, including those with backyard chickens and aviary birds, are urged to monitor their birds carefully for signs of illness.
Expert I
nsights on the H7N7 and H9N2 Strains
Associate Professor Sanjaya Senanyake from The Australian National University underscored the urgency of addressing the H7N7 outbreak to prevent potential mutations that could pose a human health risk. He explained that more infections provide the virus with more opportunities to mutate, potentially leading to a strain capable of human-to-human transmission.
Senanyake highlighted the particular concern regarding pigs, which can act as mixing vessels for human and avian flu viruses, potentially leading to the emergence of a new pandemic strain. He warned that despite widespread "Covid fatigue," the possibility of another pandemic, potentially from avian flu, remains a significant threat.
Professor Adrian Esterman from the University of South Australia discussed the global impact of the H5N1 strain. He noted its high pathogenicity and severe outcomes in both birds and the small number of human cases. Esterman emphasized that while the current strains in Australia are not H5N1, the potential for a new pandemic remains a significant concern.
Historical Cases of H7N7
The H7N7 strain has a notable history of outbreaks globally. In 2003, the Netherlands experienced a major outbreak that led to the culling of over 30 million chickens and several human infections, resulting in one death. Subsequent outbreaks in Europe, including in the UK and Spain, have led to additional cullings and heightened biosecurity measures. These incidents underscore the potential zoonotic and pandemic threat posed by H7N7.
https://www.sinobiological.com/research/virus/influenza-a-h7n7-influenza-pandemic-threat-a-5759
In 2006, a low pathogenic H7N7 strain was detected during routine testing at a poultry farm in the Netherlands, leading to the precautionary culling of 25,000 chickens. In 2008, a high pathogenic H7N7 strain was confirmed on a poultry farm in England, resulting in increased mortality and a significant drop in egg production before the birds began dying in large numbers. In 2009, another outbreak in Spain prompted Hong Kong to suspend poultry imports from the country.
Conclusion
The recent outbreaks of H7N7 in Victoria and H9N2 in Western Australia highlight the ongoing risks associated with avian influenza. While the current strains differ from the highly concerning H5N1, vigilance and swift action remain crucial to prevent further spread and mitigate the risk of a new pandemic. Biosecurity measures and close monitoring of poultry health are essential to managing these outbreaks effectively. The historical context of H7N7 outbreaks globally underscores the importance of proactive measures to protect both animal and human health from the potential threats posed by avian influenza.
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Influenza News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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