National Avian Influenza Forum talks bird flu

22 June 2009
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Poultry industry leaders, government officials and key stakeholders met in Canberra last week to review the nation’s preparedness and response capacity for avian influenza.

The third annual Government-Industry Avian Influenza Forum – an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry’s Avian Influenza Program  – brought together leaders from commercial poultry industry sectors, governments, the Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Animal Health Australia and other stakeholders. 

A range of topics were covered by the Forum, including the continuing global avian influenza and H1N1 situation and progress on Departmental initiatives like wild bird surveillance. The Forum also discussed key areas of future work to strengthen AI preparedness, including emergency vaccine contingency supply arrangements.

“New outbreaks of H5N1 Avian Influenza continue to be reported in birds and humans overseas, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance in Australia,” said Dr Andy Carroll, Australian Chief Veterinary Officer.

“The Avian Influenza Forum has been a valuable and productive effort resulting in collaborative and positive progress on a number of national issues.

“One example is the National Farm Biosecurity Manual for Poultry Production, which was officially launched at the Forum.

“This manual is a major accomplishment and an important step toward national preparedness against avian influenza and other poultry diseases.

“It not only sets the standard for biosecurity in commercial poultry industry sectors, but also sees responsiveness, collaboration and leadership translated into decisive action. The poultry industry is to be commended for its efforts in this regard.”

Copies of the forum proceedings and the National Farm Biosecurity Manual for Poultry Production are available by emailing OCVO