THE detection of avian influenza in a sheep in the United Kingdom has not increased the risks to Australia, a Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry spokesperson said.

However, the DAFF spokesperson told Sheep Central that Australia is monitoring the dynamic overseas situation closely and a report recently commissioned will include rapid risk appraisals for dairy cattle, sheep and goats.

Australia’s chief veterinary officer Dr Beth Cookson did not respond to direct questions as to whether there was cause to update advice to Australian livestock producers or if the UK case showed there is an increased risk of avian influenza transmission to livestock.

The UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has said there is no evidence to suggest an increased risk to the nation’s livestock population.

However, DEFRA said the case definition for influenza of avian origin has been updated and provides further guidance on how and when to report suspicion of avian influenza in mammals.

DEFRA earlier this week reported a case of influenza of avian origin (H5N1) in a single sheep on a Yorkshire farm. It said while this is the first time the virus has been reported in a sheep, it is not the first time influenza of avian origin has been detected in livestock in other countries. The disease has been known to occur in mammals, including humans, cows, cats, foxes, seals, dolphins, raccoons and skunks.

The DAFF spokesperson said Australia remains free from H5 HPAI.

“We note this strain has spread rapidly across continents and has infected a wide range of host species overseas.

“We are aware that a single sheep has been confirmed to have H5N1 HPAI in Yorkshire, which was identified through routine surveillance on a property where bird flu was confirmed in captive birds,” the spokesperson said.

“Australia does not consider this detection has increased the risks to Australia; however, Australia is monitoring the dynamic overseas situation closely.”

The spokesperson said the Australian Government is investing over $100 million to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response capability in alignment with a ‘One Health’ approach.

“A cross sector ‘One Health’ approach is the best way of preparing for HPAI in livestock and other animals.

“We are working collaboratively with state and territory governments, industries and the non-government sector to enhance preparedness and national response capabilities,” the spokesperson said.

This includes enhanced surveillance in wild birds; raising awareness to ensure early reporting of suspect disease in livestock and wildlife; and improved on-farm biosecurity practices; working with our partners to ensure a rapid and robust response, such as enhancements to biosecurity equipment.

The Australian Government has commissioned an independent risk assessment for bird flu in Australian dairy cattle, the spokesperson said.

“The report will include rapid risk appraisals for sheep and goats, and guidance for governments and industries to prepare and respond to bird flu in livestock, should this occur.”

The DAFF spokesperson said Australian livestock producers are encouraged to implement sound biosecurity practices and ensuring that farm biosecurity plans are current.

The Farm Biosecurity website includes information to help producers understand and mitigate disease risks (farmbiosecurity.com.au)