Bird flu detected at poultry farm in Vic

Avian influenza, or bird flu, has been detected on an egg farm in Victoria’s west, according to Agriculture Victoria. Testing has revealed the strain to be H7N3. Agriculture Victoria had initially said the strain was likely to be H7N7 but confirmed the strain was H7N3.

Agriculture Victoria said the property has been placed into quarantine and staff are on the ground to support the business and investigate further. While experts are relieved that this strain is not the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain that is being detected overseas, poultry keepers are being urged to monitor their birds carefully.

Dr Kirsty Short is an influenza virologist at the University of Queensland. Commenting on the findings, she said: “It is very reassuring that the strain identified is an H7 virus (which we have previously had outbreaks of in Australia) rather than the problematic H5N1 strain that is circulating globally. However, this should serve as an important reminder as to the need for constant vigilance regarding avian influenza and the need to report any sick or dying birds to the appropriate authorities.”

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