Avian Flu H7 Outbreak in Australia
AUSTRALIA - An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) of the H7 subtype has been confirmed in a free-range egg flock in New South Wales.The outbreak was reported to the OIE by Dr Mark Schipp, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra, Australia.
The outbreak occurred in Maitland, New South Wales.
Five thousand hens of the 50,000-bird flock have died.
The affected birds are free range layer hens. The property has several dams that attract wild ducks.
A restricted area of 3km diameter, surrounded by 7km diameter control area has been established around the property, which is under quarantine restriction.
Tracing is underway. Depopulation has commenced. The N type has not yet been determined.
The last outbreak of HPAI in Australia was in November 1997.
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