Oct 18 2013_AVIAN INFLUENZA ALERT
Queensland supports avian influenza eradication efforts.
from Queensland Government, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The Queensland Government is supporting New South Wales in containing and eradicating the current outbreak of avian influenza.
Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Rick Symons said Queensland would contribute financially to the eradication effort through national biosecurity response arrangements.
“Avian influenza can spread quickly and has the potential to devastate poultry industries,” Dr Symons said.
“Queensland’s support along with that provided by the other states and territories as well as the Australian Government, means an eradication program for this outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza can begin immediately.
“We are committed to protecting Queensland’s industries against biosecurity threats, particularly when they happen so close to home.
“If the disease was to become established in Queensland, it could cause serious damage to our major commercial poultry industries.”
Dr Symons said this latest incident was a timely reminder for bird owners to be vigilant in following good biosecurity practices and reporting anything unusual.
“The clinical signs of influenza in birds are variable and can be affected by the existence of other diseases, the age of the birds, the environment and the severity of the virus itself,” Dr Symons said.
“In very severe forms the disease appears suddenly and birds can die very quickly, sometimes without showing the classical signs of the disease which include a range of symptoms such as depression, a decrease in egg production, production of soft-shelled eggs, profuse watery diarrhoea and difficulty breathing.
“If you suspect avian influenza in birds, you should immediately notify Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 (business hours) or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 (after hours) and seek veterinary advice.
“Early detection and reporting of any unusual signs is essential for rapid control of the disease.”
Avian influenza was confirmed in a flock of layer hens near Young in New South Wales earlier this week.
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.
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
