Nov2013_Queensland supports avian influenza eradication efforts
The Queensland Government is supporting New South Wales in containing and eradicating the current outbreak of avian influenza.
Simple steps to help prevent disease outbreaks in your birds:
1. Keep your equipment and poultry yard or aviary clean
2. Avoid contact between your birds and wild birds
3. Don’t let feed and water become contaminated by faeces or other animal waste
4. If you go to shows practice good hygiene
5. Wash your hands before and after handling birds
6. Limit visitors to your birds
7. Quarantine new birds
8. Know the signs of disease
9. Immediately report any sick or dead birds
Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Rick Symons said Queensland would contribute financially to the eradication effort through national biosecurity response arrangements.
Dr Symons said that Avian influence can spread quickly and had the potential to devastate poultry industries in Queensland if it were to become established here.
Two separate instances of Avian influenza were confirmed in near Young in New South Wales – in mid and late October.
Results confirmed that the virus was the H7 Avian Influenza strain, NOT the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain that has gained worldwide attention.
The New South Wales Food Authority has confirmed that there are no food safety issues, cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat.
