Two different strains of avian influenza — also known as 'bird flu' — have been detected in Victoria. Here's what to know about bird flu, its risk of transmission to humans and what precautions to take against its spread.
of the virus manifested in a child returning from an overseas trip in March, but was only confirmed over the weekend.
There are many strains of avian influenza and Victoria's Department of Health says "most of them don't infect humans".There is a current outbreak of H5N1 in other parts of the world, including in dairy cows in the United States.The transmission of avian influenza from birds or animals to humans is "very rare," Victoria's Department of Health said in a statement.
At the Victorian farm, Dr Cooke said the virus was spreading "very quickly" and was causing "increasing levels of death" among birds. The department said the Victorian child experienced "a severe infection" but was no longer unwell and had made a "full recovery"."You can't catch avian influenza through eating fully cooked poultry or eggs, even in areas with an outbreak of avian influenza," Victoria's Department of Health said.
The Australian Chicken Meat Federation said its companies had also stepped up biosafety measures as a precaution, but that "no discernible impact is expected on chicken meat supplies at the retail level".Dr Looker said the child in Victoria had caught a type of H5N1 that has been circulating in India and Bangladesh.
Avian Flu Avian Influenza H5N1 Victoria Bird Flu Victoria Farm H7N3
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