According to Bloomberg, authorities in the State of Victoria have reported two outbreaks of H7N7 avian influenza on farms located near Lethbridge.  The first case was on a free-range unit housing 43,000 hens.  Chief Veterinary Officer of Victoria, Dr. Graeme Cooke reported the outbreak to the OIE and arranged for depletion of the index flock.

In accordance with OIE protocols, surveillance was implemented in the restricted area, resulting in the identification of a second farm on August 3rd, four days after the first case was diagnosed.  Movement of poultry, equipment and products within and out of the designated control area has been suspended unless authorized under a permit issued by the State Agriculture Department.

EGG-NEWS has consistently noted the vulnerability of free-range flocks to avian influenza and velogenic Newcastle disease due to the high probability of contact with migratory birds that carry these infections.  Commercial poultry should be confined to barns especially during periods of migration.