Avian Flu Outbreak in Australia Affects Second Layer Flock
AUSTRALIA - The Australian veterinary authorities have reported another outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a poultry farm in New South Wales affecting cage layer hens aged 45-84 weeks. This confirms the second outbreak that we reported last week.
28 October 2013
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The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received follow-up report no. 2 on 25 October. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was conducted at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory on the same date, confirming the presence of the HPAI virus, serotype H7N2.
A total of 55,000 layer hens were affected, out of which 620 cases were reported. All 620 affected birds were found dead. None of the birds were destroyed and/or slaughtered.
According to the OIE, all birds on the first infected property have been destroyed. The second infected property was under active surveillance as part of the original investigation.
The N type has not yet been identified in this second outbreak.
The source of the outbreaks has not yet been determined.
