Avian influenza response continues in Victoria
23 July 2024
Agriculture Victoria continues to respond to the detection of high pathogenicity avian influenza at 8 Victorian poultry farms, with no new infected properties identified since 24 June. Between 120-160 staff are deployed on any given day.
Victorian Government staff have completed more than 5,000 surveillance activities, including property visits, phone calls and dead bird collections, and tested over 16,300 samples.
Agriculture Victoria staff continue to work with affected properties supporting decontamination, egg and litter disposal. A comprehensive surveillance program of all commercial poultry farms in the area is also underway.
Residents nearby to the infected properties are receiving regular text messages and calls from Agriculture Victoria to confirm the health of any poultry on their property.
Poultry owners are reminded that movement controls remain in place near Terang, Meredith and Lethbridge. Permits are required for the movement of birds, poultry products and feed. These are expected to remain in place until the situation stabilises.
There is also a housing requirement in place, meaning all birds in the restricted area or control area near the infected properties must remain in their enclosures, to avoid any contact with wild birds.
“We appreciate that in these areas it’s not always easy to have your birds housed and we thank bird owners for their essential support to prevent the spread of this disease, as the risk of the disease remains” said Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the poultry industry for their ongoing assistance as we work to eradicate avian influenza from Victoria. It’s already been a huge effort, but we encourage all primary producers to remain vigilant and report any unwell poultry to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.”
Agriculture Victoria staff are also providing information at community pop-up stands in Terang and Bannockburn areas each week.
Infected properties continue to be decontaminated and the risk of infection removed, as Agriculture Victoria works towards achieving freedom of avian influenza for Victoria’s poultry industry.
Individual affected farms can experience significant financial stress. Compensation is payable under specified circumstances for destruction of livestock and property on infected premises.
Other supports available include:
- The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS)
- The Farm Household Allowance (FHA) is a fortnightly Commonwealth Government payment for eligible farming families in financial hardship
- Low-interest loans for farm businesses are available through the Commonwealth Government’s Regional Investment Corporation (RIC).
A comprehensive list of resources and contact details for industry and individual support, including technical, financial and mental health information, support and services, in our resource directory.
Agriculture Victoria continues to urge poultry farmers, backyard flock and bird owners to report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
While cases among humans in direct contact with animals infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses are possible, the current risk to the public remains low. If you have had contact with birds on an affected property and you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, call your doctor or the Department of Health on 1300 651 160 for medical advice.
More information, including movement permits, compensation details and mental health resources, are available online at agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza.
Media contact: SBOC.PublicInformation@agriculture.vic.gov.au