Avian influenza Control Area lifted

19 December 2024

Agriculture Victoria has lifted the Control Area around Meredith that was put in place for the current H7 avian influenza outbreak.

Seven impacted properties have now had their quarantine status lifted. One property remains in the last stages of quarantine.

Permits are no longer required to move birds, poultry products or equipment allowing commercial and non-commercial businesses and properties to operate freely.

Commercial restocking and a return to business operations is expected across all impacted properties by March 2025.

Eight properties were confirmed to have a high pathogenicity H7N3 and H7N9 strains of avian influenza earlier this year.

No new avian influenza cases have been detected since 24 June 2024.

Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said that an evidence-based approach has identified minimal remaining risk, allowing the Control Area Order to be lifted two weeks ahead of schedule.

“We are very grateful for the support from communities and industry who have provided information, taken part in testing and followed movement controls to ensure we could respond effectively to this outbreak.”

“While we anticipate the resolution of all properties by the end of this year, the response will continue to wind down until national proof of freedom from avian influenza is declared,” Dr Cooke said.

All bird owners across Victoria are reminded to maintain good biosecurity practices including keeping poultry sheds, yards, aviaries and equipment clean and excluding wild birds from feed and drinking water.

If you are a poultry farmer, backyard flock owner or bird owner, report any unexplained bird deaths to the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888. Your cooperation is crucial in protecting the health of all birds in Victoria.

More information is available online at agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza.

Media contact: media@deeca.vic.gov.au