The farm, at Maitland in the lower Hunter region, was in lockdown yesterday as the CSIRO investigated the strain of the flu, although the agency confirmed it was not the deadly bird flu virus that had spread around the world.
Chief veterinary officer Ian Roth stressed there was no need for panic.
"The results confirm that the virus is not the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain that has gained worldwide attention nor is it closely related to that strain," Dr Roth said.
Nevertheless, Dr Roth said other birds and livestock in the area would be monitored to ensure there has been no spread of the virus.
"The Department of Primary Industries and the Livestock Health and Pest Authority are continuing surveillance and tracing to confirm the virus hasn't spread," he said. "We currently have no evidence to suggest it has spread."... http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/chook-farm-lockdown-as-bird-flu-hits/story-e6frg6n6-1226517729079
