Highly pathogenic avian influenza,
Australia
Information received on 15/11/2012 from Dr Mark Schipp, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra, Australia
Summary
Report type Immediate notification
Date of start of the event 09/11/2012
Date of pre-confirmation of the event 14/11/2012
Report date 15/11/2012
Date submitted to OIE 15/11/2012
Date event resolved 20/03/2013
Reason for notification Reoccurrence of a listed disease
Date of previous occurrence 11/1997
Manifestation of disease Clinical disease
Causal agent Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
Serotype H7
Nature of diagnosis Laboratory (basic), Laboratory (advanced)
This event pertains to a defined zone within the country
Related reports Immediate notification (15/11/2012)
Follow-up report No. 1 (22/11/2012)
Follow-up report No. 2 (21/12/2012)
Follow-up report No. 3 (27/03/2013)
New outbreaks (1)
Outbreak 1 Maitland, NEW SOUTH WALES
Date of start of the outbreak 09/11/2012
Outbreak status Resolved (20/03/2013)
Epidemiological unit Farm
Affected animals
Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered
Birds 50000 5000 5000 45000 0
Affected population Free range egg laying flock
Summary of outbreaks Total outbreaks: 1
Total animals affected
Species Susceptible Cases Deaths Destroyed Slaughtered
Birds 50000 5000 5000 45000 0
Outbreak statistics
Species Apparent morbidity rate Apparent mortality rate Apparent case fatality rate Proportion susceptible animals lost*
Birds 10.00% 10.00% 100.00% 100.00%
*Removed from the susceptible population through death, destruction and/or slaughter
Epidemiology
Source of the outbreak(s) or origin of infection
  • Unknown or inconclusive
Epidemiological comments The affected birds are free range layer hens. The property has several dams that attract wild ducks. 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.
Control measures
Measures applied
  • Quarantine
  • Movement control inside the country
  • Zoning
  • Vaccination prohibited
  • No treatment of affected animals
Measures to be applied
  • Stamping out
  • Disinfection of infected premises/establishment(s)
Diagnostic test results
Laboratory name and type Species Test Test date Result
Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (Local laboratory) Birds polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 14/11/2012 Positive
Australian Animal Health Laboratory (National laboratory) Birds gene sequencing 15/11/2012 Positive
Australian Animal Health Laboratory (National laboratory) Birds real-time PCR 15/11/2012 Positive
Future Reporting
The event is continuing. Weekly follow-up reports will be submitted.
Map of outbreak locations