Commonwealth expertise on hand as Victoria responds to low pathogenic avian influenza

27 January 2012
DAFF 12/3D

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) notes the detection of a low pathogenic avian influenza at a free-range duck farm at two locations in northwest Melbourne.

I am advised by Victoria that laboratory results were positive for a low pathogenic H5 subtype. In other words, this strain has limited capability to cause disease in the birds.

This is not the high pathogenic H5N1 strain that is the focus of world attention.

On occasion, low pathogenic avian influenza is detected in wild birds in Australia. This is not an unusual occurrence.

I am advised that the risk to human health is negligible.

While the ongoing management and surveillance rests with Victoria, the Australian Government is providing 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 control standards (AUSTVETPLAN).

Statement by Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Mark Schipp,
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry