Scientists have used genomic sequencing to confirm the bird flu outbreaks in poultry operations in Australia are from three separate strains, none of which are linked to each other.
This news is important because it means all three of the outbreaks were likely to have been derived separately from low-pathogenic viruses carried by wild water birds. As they’ve all occurred in a short time (since May), scientists can’t pin down a definitive reason for the phenomenon.
There are a few suggestions as to why there is this unique occurrence in wild bird population dynamics at present, such as climate change or weather patterns.
But basically, an incursion in Queensland is not inevitable.
Further, the likelihood of the disease infecting other species, such as in the US where dairy cattle contracted a version of avian influenza, remains low.
Poultry farmers, backyard flock and bird owners are urged to report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 (business hours) or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (after hours) and seek veterinary advice.
Avian influenza is a . This means that legally you must report it if you know of or suspect the presence of avian influenza in any birds.
