ACT’s First Case of Avian Influenza Detected at Canberra Farm

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has officially identified its inaugural case of avian influenza at a farm in Canberra, as confirmed by the local government. The farm in question has been placed under quarantine measures amid the detection of the virus.

The Biosecurity authorities revealed that the avian influenza strain was introduced to the ACT from New South Wales through the transportation of eggs and related materials for commercial grading purposes. The authorities emphasized that the situation is contained within the boundaries of a single property in the territory.

Dr. Kyeelee Driver, serving as the ACT’s acting chief veterinary officer, informed that they received intel on Tuesday morning suggesting potential avian influenza presence at the Canberra facility, which operates as both a commercial chicken farm and an egg-grading establishment. Subsequent testing conducted, including by the CSIRO‘s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness laboratories, verified the existence of the high-pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H7N8 strain, linking it back to an infected site in New South Wales.

No abnormal bird fatalities were reported at the premises during surveillance on Monday, indicating that the transmission likely occurred during the movement of eggs and associated materials rather than among live chickens. Officials ruled out the possibility of transmission from wild birds in a spillover event.

The affected ACT facility is known for its stringent biosecurity protocols and has been fortified further in response to the discovery. Nevertheless, authorities are assessing the scope of bird culling required on-site. Dr. Driver ensured that the response aligns with the national strategy, with ACT Health collaborating closely with counterparts in NSW and Victoria to manage the situation.

Environment Minister Rebecca Vassarotti assuaged public concerns by highlighting the low risk posed by the avian influenza virus to humans. She stressed that direct and close contact with sick birds is necessary for transmission to occur. Furthermore, she underscored the safety of consuming properly handled and cooked poultry products.

The recent identification of the high-pathogenicity avian influenza in the ACT follows similar outbreaks in NSW and Victoria, including the H7N3 and H7N9 strains affecting poultry farms. The federal government and state authorities have been proactive in responding to these cases to prevent further spread.