Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza
The Current Situation
Ducks from one site on a free range duck farm tested positive to low pathogenicity notifiable avian influenza (LPNAI H5N3) in January 2012. The farm is located at two sites in northwest Melbourne.
This was not the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain that has gained worldwide attention, nor was it closely related to that strain.
Poultry and eggs are safe to eat following normal food handling and cooking arrangements.
On occasions, low pathogenic avian influenza is detected in wild birds in Australia. This is not an unusual occurrence.
Information about Avian Influenza
What’s being done about this disease?
The property has been de-stocked and evidence so far indicates that the disease has been eradicated. These management and surveillance activities are being carried out by the Victorian Department of Primary Industries. The Australian Government continues to provide veterinary and biosecurity expertise via forums such as the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases (CCEAD).
The CCEAD comprises the chief veterinarians and other technical specialists from the Commonwealth, states and territories, as well as industry representatives.
DAFF will continue to assist Victoria’s Department of Primary Industries, as required, and advise on the application of nationally agreed response procedures, described in AUSTVETPLAN.
What can I do to prevent disease in my birds?
All bird owners, as a standard everyday practice should have good biosecurity measures in place.
Simple biosecurity measures that will help prevent disease outbreaks include:
- restricting contact between pet birds, poultry and wild birds
- preventing contamination of food and water by faeces or other animal waste
- keeping equipment and poultry yards or aviaries clean
- practising good hygiene if attending bird shows
- limiting visitors to your birds
- quarantining new birds.
Bird owners should, as a routine practice, wash their hands before and after handling birds.
Further information about bird biosecurity
Report sick or dead birds
Importantly, if you do notice sick or dead birds you need to contact your local veterinarian or call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888. This is a free call within Australia and will put you in touch with the Department of Primary Industries in your state or territory.
Trade
Australia is one of 178 member countries to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and is a strong contributor to OIE processes to protect our animal health status and substantial trade in live animals and animal products.
When a disease outbreak occurs in a member country they are obliged to report this to the OIE.
When a country is notified of a change in the animal health status of an exporting country, the importing country may choose to continue trade or may opt to put trade suspensions or restrictions in place.
As an OIE member, Australia is also able to invoke import suspensions or restrictions when overseas countries experience pest or disease outbreaks. In turn, exports from Australia may be restricted or suspended by trading partners when Australia’s animal health status changes.
Trade is facilitated through the negotiation of certification statements that provide assurances to trading partners that the products covered are not a risk to their country’s animal health status.
Following the low pathogenicity notifiable H5N3 avian influenza incident in Victoria, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) continues to work closely with industry and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to restore access to the affected markets as soon as possible.
The following trade restrictions are in place:
- Japan has implemented a temporary suspension on imports of live birds including poultry, eggs, avian meat and avian meat products from Australia
- Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines have imposed temporary trade suspensions on live birds and avian products not subject to heat treatment, from the affected area in Victoria.
- Vanuatu has imposed a trade ban on live birds and avian products from Victoria.
DAFF is keeping industry and exporters updated through the relevant industry advice notices. Exporters requiring further information should contact DAFF Biosecurity in their region.
Further information
Victorian Department of Primary Industries
Media
2 February 2012
Communique from the National Management Group on Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza
27 January 2012
Media release from the Victorian Department of Primary Industries
Media Statement from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: Commonwealth expertise on hand as Victoria responds to low pathogenic avian influenza
All media inquiries should be directed to DAFF’s Media team by telephoning 02 6272 3232 or email media@daff.gov.au.
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