While it is not the H5N1 strain contractable by humans, a NSW Department of Primary Industries first-response team swooped on the free-range operation on Thursday shutting the birds in barns and establishing a containment line within the property.  Laboratory tests in Victoria confirmed the hens had contracted H7 avian influenza and most likely from wild birds.

*What the NSW Food Authority had to say 

The handful of people in contact with the birds wore disposable overalls, masks and goggles – and were disinfected afterward.

“The farm affected is isolated and off the main road so I’m fairly confident we are going to restrict it to this farm,” Livestock Health and Pest authority district vet Digby Rayward, from Tocal, said.

“The whole objective is to restrict the virus from leaving the property.”

NSW DPI advised the clinical signs of avian influenza are extremely variable depending on many factors such as the type of bird, the virus subtype and the presence of other diseases. 

Infected birds may die shortly after acquiring the infection with no obvious signs or they may show a variety of clinical signs including breathing difficulties, coughing, swollen heads, dark comb and wattles, depression, drop in egg

production, changes in egg shell colour, loss of appetite, decreased feed intake and decreased vocalization. 

Dr Rayward was preparing to take charge of surveillance of the infected birds and any potential spread yesterday when he spoke the Mercury on Thursday night.

“The owner will be able to leave the property if showered and he doesn’t carry any infected material out the gate,” he said.

“Any visitors certainly won’t be encouraged onto the farm.” 

The hens will be buried on-property as per national regulations and the property disinfected.

“Hopefully that will be the end of the unfortunate episode,” Dr Rayward said.

The NSW Food Authority confirmed that there are no food safety issues and that poultry and eggs remain safe to eat. 

“There is no evidence that eating food from farms that have been affected by avian influenza have ever caused human illness,” NSW Food Authority chief scientist Lisa Szabo said. 

“It is always prudent for consumers to take normal food safety precautions. 

“Our usual advice is to avoid eating raw eggs, and not to eat cracked or dirty eggs.”

NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Ian Roth said there was no evidence as of Thursday evening to suggest that the virus had spread .

“DPI and the Livestock Health and Pest Authority are continuing surveillance and tracing to confirm the virus hasn’t spread,” he said. 

“Australia has previously had a small number of outbreaks of H7 avian influenza viruses which were all quickly and successfully eradicated. 

“The avian influenza virus exists in Australia’s wild birds.” 

Dr Roth said people who notice sick or dead birds should contact their local veterinarian or call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888. 

For further information on avian influenza visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au.