The Department of Primary Industries has reported a case of Avian Influenza (AI), commonly known as bird flu, from a layer egg farm in the Young region of south western NSW.
H7 Avian Influenza has been confirmed in a flock of 400,000 layer hens near Young. This is not the highly pathogenic H5NI strain that has gained worldwide attention – nor is it closely related to that strain.
The egg farm has been placed under quarantine and movements on and off the property are being controlled.
The Department of Primary Industries and the Livestock Health and Pest Authority are continuing surveillance and tracing to confirm the virus has not spread.
The NSW Food Authority advises that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for consumers.
There has been no case reported of humans getting infected from eating food from farms affected by bird flu.
Nevertheless it is prudent to take normal food safety precautions in the kitchen.
The Authority’s usual advice for eggs is:
• Avoid eating raw eggs and do not eat eggs that are cracked or dirty.
