Avian influenza control area orders updated

7 November 2024

Agriculture Victoria has lifted the control area order for Terang that was put in place for the current H7 avian influenza outbreak.

From Thursday, 7 November 2024:

• the control area order for avian influenza in the Terang area has been removed
• the control area order for avian influenza around Meredith remains in place
• properties within the Meredith control area still require permits for moving birds, poultry products and  equipment.

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

The removal of the control area order for the Terang area means that permits are no longer required for moving birds, poultry products and equipment.

Permits are not required for vehicles transporting poultry feed in the Meredith control area as long as they meet biosecurity requirements.

Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke emphasised that Victoria’s longest-running biosecurity response is nearing its conclusion, but work remains to be done.

‘As we move toward proof of freedom from avian influenza, Agriculture Victoria continues to work with the owners and managers of impacted farms to support them return to business,’ Dr Cooke said.

‘We continue to monitor for disease, with staff visiting properties and testing birds in the remaining control area.

‘It has been a long campaign to get to this point and we thank everyone who has played a part.’

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 the area.

Resources and contact details for industry and individual support are available in our resource directory.

More information, including movement permits, maps and compensation details, is available online at agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza.

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