Victoria Detects Bird Flu, Presses for Influenza Vaccine
The initial case of H5N1 avian flu in humans was reported in Victoria, with no evidence of transmission within the state.
The Victorian Health Department urges people to get the seasonal flu vaccine following the discovery of the first Australian case of bird flu in the state.
A child in India fell ill in March 2024 due to an H5N1 avian influenza infection, which was identified in additional testing of positive flu samples in Victoria’s disease surveillance system. However, no other cases of bird flu have been linked to this incident through contact tracing.
Victoria’s chief health officer Clare Looker stated that there is no evidence of transmission in Victoria and the likelihood of more human cases is very low.
The advisory mentioned that although there are many strains of bird flu, most do not infect humans. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses, such as H5N1, pose a higher risk of causing disease and death in poultry.
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The child infected with avian influenza has fully recovered from the severe infection.
Additionally, the health department pointed out significant bird flu outbreaks globally, but the strain in the United States differs from that detected in Victoria.
“The United States is currently grappling with HPAI (H5N1) outbreaks in dairy cows, with a recent human case in a dairy worker. While the Victorian case is HPAI (H5N1), it is not the same strain as those causing outbreaks in the United States,” the department remarked.
In Michigan, the bird flu has been identified in a dairy worker, marking the second case within two months.
Flu Vaccine Recommended to Minimize New Pandemic Risk
Victorian health authorities advise taking the seasonal flu vaccine to lessen the likelihood of new mutated viruses emerging.
“The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against avian influenza. However, it can help prevent the blending of highly pathogenic avian influenza with seasonal influenza, potentially creating new mutated viruses that could spread rapidly,” the Victorian government stated.
“This underscores the importance of seasonal influenza vaccination, particularly for poultry workers and individuals traveling to areas experiencing outbreaks, to reduce the risk of new human pandemic viruses emerging.”
The health department stressed that individuals older than six months can receive the vaccine to prevent influenza and related complications.
“Influenza vaccination is recommended for all individuals aged ≥6 months. Influenza vaccination can be administered on the same day as COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines,” the department emphasized.
Avian Flu Detected on Victoria Farm
Meanwhile, after the detection of H7N2, a highly pathogenic avian flu strain, at a poultry farm near Meredith in regional Victoria, thousands of birds will be put down.
The farm has been isolated as Agriculture Victoria staff investigate the incident.
In a statement on May 23, Agriculture Victoria confirmed that H7N3 has led to several poultry deaths at an egg farm.
“Contact tracing is ongoing to determine the source and extent of infection.”
In response to the bird flu detection, the Federal government has initiated emergency animal disease plans.
Testing has confirmed that this outbreak involves the H7 strain, distinct from the strains causing global concern.
The government assured that necessary preparations have been made for a potential bird flu outbreak, involving national workshops to coordinate response activities for avian flu.
These meetings involve representatives from federal, state, and territory agencies to prepare for a national response integrating animal, human health, and environmental sectors.
Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Minister Murray Watt expressed relief that the new strain differs from that affecting the United States and Antarctica, but emphasized that Australia is treating the situation with utmost seriousness.
“Australia has effective, nationally-agreed response and cost-sharing arrangements in place to address animal disease outbreaks, and these plans are now active to support Victoria,” he said.
“Australia has successfully managed eight outbreaks of HPAI in poultry since 1976, eradicating the disease swiftly and effectively with limited spread among farms.”
Mr. Watt conveyed sympathy for the impacted farmer and community.
“This serves as a timely reminder for all poultry and bird owners to follow best biosecurity practices and promptly report any suspicious deaths to the national hotline,” he recommended.
Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson affirmed close collaboration with the Victorian chief veterinary officer to provide necessary support in rapidly controlling the infection.
She confirmed the low risk to human health and assured consumers that eggs and poultry products remain safe for consumption.
“I appreciate the swift response of the Victorian government to manage this issue on the ground actively,” she noted.
