Sentinel Chicken Surveillance Program in Australia, July 2002 to June 2003.

Detection of flavivirus seroconversions in sentinel chicken flocks located throughout Australia is used to provide an early warning of increased levels of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) and Kunjin (KUN) virus activity in the region. During the 2002-2003 season low levels of flavivirus activity were detected in northern Australia compared to previous years. MVE and KUN virus activity was detected in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia and the Northern Territory but not in north Queensland, New South Wales or Victoria. This is similar to the previous season. There were no reported cases of disease caused by either virus.