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Bird flu 'would have difficulty spreading' in Australia

October 14, 2005

JulieR.thumb.jpgAn internationally respected poultry researcher from The University of New England, Associate Professor Julie Roberts, says Australian poultry farmers are well placed to combat and contain any outbreak of avian influenza.

"The Australian poultry industry is far more regulated against bio-hazards than its counterparts in many Asian countries," Dr Roberts said. "In contrast to the largely automated nature of the industry in Australia, in Asian countries such as Vietnam it characteristically involves large numbers of people, domestic poultry and wild birds in close proximity."

"The only serious outbreak of avian influenza in NSW hit the Tamworth area in 1997," she said. "That outbreak was entirely contained. While it was not a strain of avian influenza virus that can infect humans, the case of Tamworth's 1997 outbreak should alleviate some fears."

For more than two decades, Dr. Roberts (pictured here) has conducted research into the Australian poultry industry, often focusing on poultry diseases. "While we do have to remain vigilant," she said, "I'm confident that if the strain of avian influenza that is potentially fatal to humans does appear in Australia, it would have difficulty spreading at a rapid rate. Not many people come in contact with poultry, and not many wild birds interact with domestic birds."

"I am concerned that the Australian poultry industry will suffer because of public fears that domestic poultry will bring avian influenza into their country," Dr Roberts continued. "Many scientists feel it is more likely that a highly contagious strain of avian influenza could be carried into Australia by a human.

"Despite the low risk of a so-called 'pandemic' spreading through Australia, scientists and government agencies are already doing a lot. The flight paths of migratory birds are currently being mapped internationally, while in Australia, government agencies are monitoring movements of domestic birds such as chickens and emus. This knowledge, coupled with high levels of bio-security, is making us increasingly prepared. Poultry owners can take precautionary measures to prevent interaction between wild birds and their domestic fowls. I strongly urge people to keep themselves informed by up-to-date sources of information such as www.fao.org."

For more information please contact Associate Professor Julie Roberts on 6773 2506.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at October 14, 2005 03:29 PM