Avian Influenza on Victorian Duck Farm Not a Risk to Humans
AUSTRALIA - The Australian Chicken Meat Federation said that while the finding of a low pathogenic strain of Avian Influenza (LPAI) on a duck farm at two locations in north-west suburban Melbourne was not of concern to human health, industry and government are working quickly to eliminate the disease. The virus was detected during routine testing.
31 January 2012
2 minute read
No chicken farms are affected.
Executive Director Andreas Dubs said that while the strain involved poses a potential risk to chickens, it is not a public health or food safety risk.
"This is not the strain of avian influenza that has caused human infections overseas" Dr Dubs said.
Cooked chicken and chicken meat products remain safe to eat.
Dr Dubs said, "I am confident the outbreak will be controlled quickly."
"The Australian government, working with industry, has successfully eradicated five outbreaks of avian influenza in the past," Dr Dubs said.
"As well, Government has tested, reviewed and refined their procedures, and we are very confident in their ability and determination to work with industry to contain and eradicate the outbreak."
Dr Dubs said that, to that end, under the supervision of the Victorian Department of Primary Industries, ducks on the affected farm would be slaughtered and disposed of safely and humanely.
