Detection of avian influenza at fourth poultry property

5 June 2024

Avian influenza virus has been confirmed at a fourth Victorian poultry farm.

Tests have confirmed the high pathogenicity H7N3 strain at this property which is located within the current Restricted Area in the Golden Plains Shire, where movement restrictions were already in place.

The farm has been placed into quarantine and Agriculture Victoria staff are working closely with industry to reduce the risk of spread.

All poultry will be safely disposed of under veterinary supervision, consistent with national policies and the sites will be cleaned and cleared of the infection.

Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Graeme Cooke said this detection is not unexpected and is the result of comprehensive and ongoing surveillance activities by Agriculture Victoria staff within the Restricted and Control Areas.

‘Avian influenza is a viral disease of birds found globally, many species of wild birds, including waterfowl and seabirds can carry the virus but usually show no signs of disease.

‘We remind bird owners that housing birds, where practical, is an effective method of minimising direct contact with wild birds’. Dr Cooke said.

Existing movement controls remain in place in designated areas near Terang. The Restricted and Control Areas around Meredith have been extended. This includes:

• a Restricted Area that covers the impacted Meredith and Lethbridge properties and a Control Area buffer zone, which is bound by Bacchus Marsh Road in the east and the Colac–Ballarat Road on the western boundary.
• a Restricted Area covering a 5 km radius around the Terang farm with a broader Control Area buffer zone covering a 15 km radius.
• a housing requirement for all birds within these areas.

Within the Restricted and Control areas, permits are required for the movement of birds, poultry products, feed and equipment on or off properties.

‘All bird owners across Victoria are reminded to follow best biosecurity practice such as keeping poultry sheds, yards, aviaries and equipment clean, and restricting contact between your poultry and wild birds’, said Dr Cooke.

Consumers should not be concerned about eggs and poultry products from the supermarkets, they do not pose a risk and are safe to consume.

Poultry farmers, backyard flock and bird owners are urged to report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

More information, including movement permits are available online at agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza

Media contact: SBOC.PublicInformation@agriculture.vic.gov.au