AVN Web Desk
Worldwide monitoring of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spread over the past month has revealed the third outbreak of the disease in Australian poultry flocks as the country’s authorities confirmed the alarming development.
According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Farm Pride Foods in Lethbridge, Victoria, is the latest to be affected, with birds at their table egg farm testing positive for the H7N3 serotype of the HPAI virus.
This development follows a previous outbreak in Meredith, Victoria, where the H7N3 strain resulted in the loss of 3,000 hens. The proximity of the two affected farms highlights the difficulties in containing the virus. Farm Pride Foods is now testing an additional 40,000 birds in the area for HPAI, reflecting their commitment to curbing the spread.
In a worrying development, Australia recently confirmed its first-ever detection of the H7N9 HPAI virus serotype. This discovery in Victoria underscores the interconnectedness between wild and domestic bird populations, necessitating comprehensive surveillance and response strategies.
Other regions are also grappling with HPAI outbreaks, indicating the global nature of this challenge. India’s veterinary authority has reported outbreaks in Kerala, affecting tens of thousands of poultry in backyard flocks. Similarly, South Korea and Japan have faced recent outbreaks, emphasizing the need for coordinated international efforts to mitigate the virus’s spread.
These developments highlight the importance of robust surveillance, rapid response mechanisms, and international collaboration to safeguard both animal and human health. As the world continues to confront emerging infectious diseases, proactive measures and shared expertise remain crucial in protecting global food security.
