An unknown strain of avian flu has possibly been detected in Canberra. Photo: File.
The ACT Government has confirmed it is investigating a suspected case of Avian influenza (bird flu) in the Territory.
Environment Minister Rebecca Vassarotti said teams were engaging with Canberra egg producers on good biosecurity practices to decrease the risk of a broader outbreak.
“I would like to reassure the Canberra community that the Avian influenza virus is a low risk to the public,” she said.
“Transmission to humans is very rare and unlikely unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds.”
Bird flu has previously been detected at two sites in the Hawkesbury region of NSW.
The High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) strain detected there is H7N8.
NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarity said the potential ACT detection was linked to the case found at a farm in the Hawkesbury last Wednesday (19 June).
“Proactive surveillance from the NSW Government’s Biosecurity Incident Management team has been tracing movement of eggs and materials from the infected sites as part of the response,” she said.
“Surveillance in the Hawkesbury biosecurity emergency zone and tracing of related premises is ongoing.
“The ACT-located commercial egg farm has been locked down with no products, eggs, and machinery allowed in or out, and the site’s hens will need to be depopulated.”
The NSW strain is different to the virus impacting eight poultry farms in Victoria.
Seven infected properties near Meredith in Victoria are confirmed to be the HPAI H7N3 strain, and one infected property near Terang is the HPAI H7N9 strain.
Ms Vassarotti said it was important to note that none of these strains detected in eastern Australia are the same as the HPAI H5 strains that are of concern overseas.
“Avian influenza is not a food safety concern and it is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry meat, eggs and egg products,” she said.
“As further updates are confirmed I will provide further information to the community and local industry.”
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