Avian influenza (bird flu) has been found at a site in the ACT, Rebecca Vassarotti, Minister for the Environment, announced this afternoon. 

The infection site has been securely contained; biosecurity responses are in place; and the site is co-operating with the ACT Government to respond to the incident, Ms Vassarotti said.

All birds on the farm will require “depopulation” due to the highly contagious nature of the disease.

“We are confident that we can act quickly to contain the affected site with a low risk of spread to other poultry in the ACT,” Ms Vassarotti said. “We can reassure Canberrans that this outbreak is contained and that it is safe.”

The H7 outbreaks in Australia are not the same as the high pathogenicity avian influenza H5 strains overseas, the minister said.

There is low risk of human infection, Ms Vassarotti said. Transmission of the virus to humans is rare, and unlikely unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds.

The virus is not a food safety concern; it is safe to eat properly handled and cooked poultry meat, eggs, and egg products.

The business has not been named, in accordance with the standards of other states.

The virus was detected as the result of a trace premise from the NSW outbreak; the business became infected when equipment (trucks and egg pallets) was moved from NSW. The ACT business reportedly practices a high level of biosecurity.

Ms Vassarotti encouraged the public to report suspected or confirmed cases to the emergency animal disease hotline immediately on 1800 675 888.