Australia, on Wednesday, reported its first case of avian influenza (H5N1) in a young child who previously contracted the disease in India but recuperated.
This happened simultaneously with another strain highly transmissible after avian flu was detected on an egg farm in the country.
The virus has led to the deaths of birds and mammals in recent years.
Australia’s southeastern state health authorities stated that there is a low possibility of people contacting the disease because it doesn’t spread to humans.
Australia was the only continent where animals were free of the H5N1 avian influenza.
State Chief Health Officer, Dr Looker, stated, “This is the first confirmed human case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Australia.”
He added that this was the first time the virus was found in a person or animal in Australia.
Looker, clarifying the case of the young child with H5N1, noted, “The child experienced a severe infection but is no longer unwell and has made a full recovery.”
Chief Executive of Australia Eggs, Rowan Mcmonnies, revealed that part of the industry that has been affected is poultry, but the farmers are “working hard to ensure there are eggs on shelves.”
The Australian Chicken Meat Federation (ACMF) said companies have intensified their biological safety measures as a precaution. The organisation added, “No discernible impact is expected on chicken meat supplies.”
Nancy Mbamalu
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