Australian authorities have reported cases of H7 bird flu, a strain connected to viruses found in wild birds within Australia, according to The Guardian. This has led to egg shortages on the shelves of some supermarkets.
Egg shortages are also present in neighboring Pacific nations, but for different reasons. In New Caledonia, the issue is related to hen feeding and transportation, while in Australia, the virus is causing widespread devastation on farms.
The last outbreak of this “bird flu” for Australian egg producers was in 2021. The 2024 cases have primarily been identified on farms located in the southeast of the country, specifically in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory.
The Guardian reports that the virus is a result of interaction between chickens and wild birds, particularly ducks. Outdoor-raised chickens, those not kept in cages, are more susceptible. This poses a challenge for two major local supermarket chains and the American fast-food chain with the golden arches, as they primarily serve farm eggs, also called “free-range eggs.”
Dr. Michelle Wille, a researcher at the University of Melbourne, states that controlling the virus is a “real challenge” due to the difficulty in preventing wild birds from contacting outdoor poultry.
As a result, most supermarkets are struggling to replenish their egg supply. Australian authorities have adopted a zero-tolerance policy regarding the virus, leading to the culling of approximately two million chickens. However, Rowan McMonnies, the manager of one of Australia’s largest egg producers, assures that over 21 million chickens remain to supply the country. “Local supply is not collapsing,” he says.
As a precaution, supermarkets in the affected states have limited egg carton purchases to a maximum of two per customer. The popular American fast-food chain in Australia has also reduced its breakfast service by an hour.
According to the World Health Organization, two other viruses are spreading globally and under close WHO monitoring. First, H5N1, a highly contagious strain affecting other production lines in the United States for four years, is a particular concern for scientists.
AFP reports that the WHO called for the strengthening of the global network for detecting H5N1 in late June, as it can infect a wide range of animal species. Experts are apprehensive regarding the increasing number of affected mammals and fear that widespread circulation might facilitate a mutation allowing human-to-human transmission.
If H5N1 started spreading from person to person, the world would likely be overwhelmed once more. It might potentially be even more disastrous than Covid.
Helen Clark, former co-chair of a group advising the WHO
Another virus, H5N2, was detected in poultry farms in Mexico at the beginning of the year. The World Health Organization confirmed the first global case of human death due to H5N2 avian flu in June in Mexico. Prior to this, no human transmission had been confirmed.
Bird Flu Hits Australia: Egg Shortages and Global Concerns
Australia is facing an egg shortage following a recent outbreak of the H7 bird flu, a strain linked to viruses found in wild birds. The outbreak has led to the culling of millions of chickens, impacting egg production and causing prices to soar.
The Australian Egg Crisis
The H7 bird flu outbreak is not a new challenge for Australian egg producers. A similar outbreak occurred in 2021, but the current situation is proving to be more severe, with cases primarily concentrated in the southeast of the country, particularly in New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory.
The virus is primarily spread through contact between poultry and wild birds, particularly ducks. Outdoor, free-range chickens are more vulnerable to infection. This poses a significant challenge for Australian supermarkets and fast-food chains that rely heavily on farm-fresh eggs.
Dr. Michelle Wille, a researcher at the University of Melbourne, describes controlling the virus as a “real challenge” due to the difficulty of preventing wild birds from interacting with outdoor poultry.
Supermarket Restrictions and Fast Food Adjustments
Supermarkets in the affected states have implemented measures to manage the egg shortage. Consumers are limited to purchasing a maximum of two cartons of eggs per person. To address the shortage, the American fast-food giant with the golden arches has reduced its breakfast service by one hour.
Global Bird Flu Threat
The Australian outbreak of H7 bird flu is not isolated. The World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring the spread of two other highly contagious strains: H5N1 and H5N2.
H5N1: A Global Threat
H5N1 has been circulating in poultry production lines in the United States for four years and is considered a significant cause for concern among scientists. The WHO recently called for strengthening the global network for detecting H5N1, as it can infect a wide range of animal species. Experts are worried regarding the increasing number of affected mammals and the potential for a mutation that might allow human-to-human transmission.
If H5N1 started spreading from person to person, the world would likely be overwhelmed once more. It might potentially be even more disastrous than Covid.
Helen Clark, former co-chair of a group advising the WHO
H5N2: The First Human Death
Cases of H5N2 were discovered in Mexican poultry farms earlier this year. In June, the WHO confirmed the world’s first human death due to the H5N2 avian flu. While human-to-human transmission has not been confirmed, the event highlights the increasing threat of these avian flu strains.
Key Strategies for Managing the Bird Flu Threat
To combat the spread of bird flu and protect poultry populations, authorities and researchers are implementing a range of strategies, including:
- Vaccination: Developing and administering effective vaccines for poultry is a top priority for preventing outbreaks and limiting the spread of the virus.
- Biosecurity Measures: Implementing strict biosecurity measures on farms, including limiting contact between poultry and wild birds, is crucial for preventing the introduction and transmission of the virus.
- Early Detection and Response: Early detection of bird flu outbreaks is vital for swift containment and minimizing the impact. This involves monitoring poultry populations, surveillance programs, and prompt reporting of suspected cases.
- International Collaboration: Sharing information and coordinating efforts between countries is essential for global surveillance and management of these avian flu strains.
The ongoing threat of bird flu underscores the importance of global collaboration, scientific research, and proactive measures to safeguard both human and animal health.
