Australia’s first recorded human case of H5N1 bird flu has been confirmed in a child returning from India, who has fully recovered. Meanwhile, a non-highly pathogenic strain, H7N7, was detected at an egg farm in Meredith, Victoria, leading to animal depopulation and quarantine measures.
A child returning from overseas has been confirmed as Australia’s first recorded human case of the H5N1 bird flu strain, following a visit to India in March. After experiencing a severe infection, the child has since fully recovered, as confirmed by Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr. Clare Looker, on Wednesday.
The H5N1 avian influenza virus was detected through enhanced surveillance testing, and contact tracing has not identified any further cases linked to this incident. Dr. Looker assured that the risk of additional human cases is low due to the avian influenza’s limited transmissibility among humans.
Simultaneously, a different strain of bird flu, H7N7, was detected at an egg farm in Meredith, Victoria. Agriculture Victoria initiated urgent testing after numerous poultry deaths. Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Graeme Cooke confirmed that this strain has occurred in Australia before and is not highly pathogenic like H5N1. The farm has been quarantined, and affected animals are being depopulated.
Authorities have reassured the public that eggs and poultry products remain safe to consume. Bird owners are advised to maintain clean enclosures and quarantine new birds to prevent further spread of the virus.