A bird flu outbreak in America, has infected more than 90 flocks in dairy farms across 12 states. The virus has also caused mounting casualties in cats.
Avian influenza was also detected at a farm in the Hawkesbury region, in Sydney. This was at a poultry farm quarantined by Australian authorities last week.
The Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, confirmed the presence of High Pathogenic Avian Influenza H7N8 at two sites.
The Australian Veterinary Practitioners Board, said the flu poses no risk to the public, as it rarely affects humans, unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds.
According to the Centers for Disease Control in the US, Influenza A viruses have different subtypes and different lineages. Wild aquatic birds, are considered reservoirs (hosts) for avian influenza A viruses.
H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with several cases of H5 in U.S. dairy workers.
Izaak Breitenbach of Poultry SA, says there is no bird flu of concern in the country at present. He said strains do not hang around after wild birds and poultry were culled subsequent to a H2N1 strain back in February 2024.
Picture: Monash University