Bird flu in Oceania

Man cleared of bird flu suspicion in Adelaide

Tuesday, October 3rd, 2006

A 50 year old man returning to Australia after a trip to China presented flu-like symptoms upon his arrival and was subsequently taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital for further investigations. His symptoms included fever and breathing difficulties, so health authorities treated the case as a possible bird flu infection. However, further testing after the man was put in an isolation room has showed that such fears are not motivated. The Health Department has issued a press statement to clarify that the man was not a carrier of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.

Posted in Australia

Extensive program proves country is free of bird flu

Monday, July 24th, 2006

A comprehensive testing programme, analyzing thousands of poultry meat samples, was completed successfully in New Zealand and proved the country’s poultry industry to be free of any traces of bird flu virus. The tests focused on all types of avian influenza, be it highly pathogenic or low pathogenic strains. The number of samples tested met an internationally agreed level of statistical validity to be accepted. Authorities say that the country is relying on strict on-farm biosecurity measures and surveillance on the internal industry, ensuring the poultry meat industry would not have to suffer from the disease. International institutions (such as the World Organization for Animal Health) required such testing to further trust New Zealand’s poultry products and the country therefore took action, as part of a global network for early warning and detection of highly pathogenic avian flu.

Posted in New Zealand

Spread of the virus to Oceania

Monday, July 3rd, 2006

Although somewhat in the vicinity of the most affected continent by the disease, Oceania has not seen massive outbreaks of the disease. With island countries and an isolated location from the rest of the world, the likes of Australia and New Zealand have so far managed to contain isolated virus appearances and contribute to the worldwide effort by putting in place prevention methods or working along international scientists in the study of the disease and research of a possible vaccine.

Posted in Oceania

New Zealand study analyzing bird flu spread

Monday, July 3rd, 2006
A study to take place in two North Island areas in New Zealand will survey backyard poultry, mainly hens, ducks, geese and turkeys, as well as their owners, in an attempt to see whether or not these flocks can become infected with bird flu from wild bird populations, under local conditions. The National Center for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease is responsible for the study, which hopes to prevent the appearance of the disease in a country not yet affected by the deadly H5N1 virus. The study will last for two years and initially 10 properties in each area will be under close supervision, with the figure later expanded to 50 farms in total.

Posted in New Zealand

Australia encouraged by successful vaccine trials

Sunday, July 2nd, 2006
Bird flu vaccines are being tested around the world, but the latest news comes from Down Under. An Australian vaccine has shown positive results in its preliminary testing and scientists are now moving into the human trials stage. They are seeking for 150 adults to volunteer for a study which will further analyze the effectiveness of the drug.

The vaccine, developed from a strain of the virus found in a Vietnamese avian flu victim, is said to have little side effects. If the Australian product proves reliable and safe, it will then be mass produced, to supply the stocks needed in the event of a bird flu pandemic. Australia is the only country in the Southern hemisphere to look into the matter and the government has understood the importance of such research, by funding the project and the development of the vaccine by the pharmaceutical company CSL.

Posted in Australia