Avian flu

So far the H7N6 virus is confined to 1 farm in the southern province of Otago, and birds are to be destroyed in the hope of preventing the spread.

This is the second case of bird flu detected in the ACT and 12th in Australia.

More than 1.2 million birds have been culled in Australia.

The farm was already in lockdown.

This is on top of 240,000 birds that will be impacted after the first case of H7N8 was discovered in NSW.

A biosecurity ‘emergency’ plan has been activated. NSW Premier Chris Minns said there is ‘no reason to panic.’

This is separate to the strain detected in Victoria. The government reassured NSW consumers not to be worried about eggs and poultry products from supermarkets.

Influenza A samples were sent to the WHO for ‘further characterisation’ as part of a batch.

This comes amid the first death of H5N2 influenza virus globally, detected in a 59-year-old from Mexico.

This follows the bird flu being discovered on two Victorian properties.

This comes less than a week before the WHO meet to discuss the pandemic treaty.

Control orders have been implemented at the Victorian farm, restricting movement of poultry, equipment, and vehicles.

The first human case of H5N1 avian flu was reported in Victoria, but there is no evidence of transmission within the state.

House panel questions why the Department of Agriculture is participating in $1 million, five-year program with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.