Second farm shutdown by bird flu

The NSW Department of Primary Industries' first response team has the property under lockdown and planning is underway for eradication of the virus in line with nationally agreed protocols.

It follows from a case last week were the same strain was found in a flock of layer hens near Young.

NSW chief veterinary officer Ian Roth believes the two cases are linked.

“It is believed that the second case may be linked to the initial facility. Further tracing is underway to determine whether this is the case," he said.

“The virus is definitely not the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain that has gained worldwide attention - nor is it closely related to that strain.”

Mr Roth said the peak egg and poultry industry bodies have been advised and the property owners are co-operating with authorities.

The NSW Food Authority has confirmed that there are no food safety issues and that poultry and eggs remain safe to eat.