OIE Reports HPAI Outbreak in Australian Poultry Farm
AUSTRALIA - The Australian veterinary authorities have reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a poultry farm in New South Wales, affecting free-range and cage layer hens aged between 22 and 79 weeks.
17 October 2013
2 minute read
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received an immediate notification on 16 October.
The outbreak was initially observed on 8 October and confirmed on 14 October after two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (15 and 15 October) and gene sequencing (16 October) tests were carried out at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute and the Australian Animal Health Laboratory.
All three tests confirmed the presence of the HPAI virus, serotype H7N2.
A total of 435,000 birds showed signs of susceptibility, out of which 18,000 birds were found affected. All affected birds were reportedly found dead. No birds were destroyed and/or slaughtered.
According to the OIE, a restricted area of 1km diameter surrounded by a 10-km diameter Control Area has been established around the property, which is under quarantine restriction.
Tracing of all movements (birds, people, vehicles and eggs) are under way. An epidemiological investigation is under way to determine the source of the infection.
Neither the OIE nor the country's veterinary authorities have been able to determine the source of the outbreak.
