15.11.2012

H7N7 Avian Influenza virus has been confirmed in a flock of 50,000 layer hens in the lower Hunter Valley, near Maitland. New South Wales, Australia. A Restricted Area of 3 km diameter surrounded by 7 km diameter Control Area has been established around the property, which is under quarantine restriction. Tracing is underway.
Depopulation has commenced. The N type has not yet been determined.

Last H7 outbreak in Australia was recorded in November 1997, in Tamworth, NSW (H7N4): 

 

1. A farm complex of meat chicken breeder facilities (128 000 birds) with increased mortality in affected sheds
2. Meat chicken breeder farm (32 000 birds) with controlled environment sheds; infection detected during surveillance before development of clinical signs
3. Asymptomatic emus (261 birds) in open pens near chicken sheds