An emergency biosecurity incident was declared yesterday after the avian influenza strain H7N8 was found at a commercial egg farm in the Hawkesbury region.
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty announced that 8000 birds have died from the virus, and 240,000 more will be culled to prevent further spread.
“Last night we began depopulating the farm following veterinary guidelines,” she said.
The infected farm has been locked down, and a control order will restrict movement within a two-kilometer radius.
“There will be no movement of eggs or birds or machinery out of the zone during the control order.”
Moriarty reassured consumers that bird flu does not pose a health risk through eggs and egg products on supermarket shelves.
“As always, people should handle and cook using the standard procedures,” she said.
The state government has activated compensation funds for producers affected by the bird flu outbreak.
“We are taking action on this outbreak and will support the egg and chicken meat industry through this challenging time,” Moriarty emphasized.