An avian influenza outbreak reported at a layer farm in New South Wales, Australia, is being contained, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) reported on October 23. The outbreak was initially reported on October 16.
As many as 435,000 free range and cage layer hens between 22 and 79 weeks old were initially susceptible to the avian influenza outbreak, with 18,000 hen fatalities. No further infected properties have been found, the OIE reported, and 75 percent of the susceptible birds have been removed.
A restricted area within a half-kilometer radius of the affected farm has been established. It is surrounded by a control area with a five-kilometer radius, which is under quarantine. Tracing of all movements with birds, eggs, people and vehicles is under way. An epidemiological investigation is being conducted in hopes of determining the source of the avian influenza infection.
