High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI)

Current situation

Last updated 30 June 2024

Agriculture Victoria is responding to the detection of avian influenza at 8 Victorian poultry farms. Avian influenza is a viral disease of birds found globally. Virus strains are described as low pathogenicity (LPAI) or high pathogenicity (HPAI).

Seven infected properties close to Meredith have been infected with a dangerous strain of avian flu called H7N3. A property near Terang has become infected with an equally dangerous strain called H7N9.

A comprehensive surveillance program is in place in the restricted and control areas in order to detect the viruses. Finding infected properties shows the program is effective at detecting infections. Early detection helps to stop disease spreading beyond restricted areas.

Restricted and control areas surround all infected premises. They are in the Golden Plains and Corangamite shires.

We have placed all properties in quarantine and we will safely and humanely dispose of all poultry. We will clean and clear the sites of infection.

Agriculture Victoria staff are on the ground supporting the affected properties. They are working closely with poultry owners and industry to contain and kill the virus. Tracing is also underway to determine the source and spread of the infection.

Housing requirement

Agriculture Victoria has put in place rules for moving birds in certain areas in Meredith/Lethbridge and Terang. This includes making sure all birds are kept in housing.

Under the housing requirement all poultry farmers, backyard flock owners and bird owners must house or keep their birds enclosed in cages or sheds.

If you are a poultry farmer, backyard flock owner or bird owner, you should report any unexplained bird deaths to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. Your cooperation is crucial in protecting the health of all birds in the area.

Food safety

Consumers should not worry about eggs and duck meat products. They do not pose a risk and are safe to consume.

Victoria has a secure supply chain for eggs, even during the current outbreak.

Human health

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses pose a low risk to the public when in contact with infected animals. Getting sick from these viruses is unlikely for the public. Being cautious when interacting with infected animals is important to minimise any potential risk. Learn more about avian influenza in humans from the BetterHealth Channel.

Compensation in an Emergency Animal Disease outbreak

In the event of a declared Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) outbreak, financial compensation will be available to livestock owners and business that experience livestock or property losses as a direct result of the disease.

Personal wellbeing

Stressful events can make you feel worried and uneasy, especially where there is uncertainty, but there are things you can do to take care of yourself.

Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease. Any suspect or confirmed cases must be reported to Agriculture Victoria on the all-hours Emergency Animal Disease hotline 1800 675 888

Background

Avian Influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral infection of birds. The disease is caused by either high pathogenicity or low pathogenicity strains. Some HPAI can cause severe clinical signs and high mortality (up to 100%) in domestic poultry (chickens) and turkeys. AI in pet birds such as budgies, canaries and other caged birds has not been a feature of previous outbreaks in Australia.

Wild birds are considered the natural host for AI. Certain water birds act as reservoirs of influenza viruses by carrying the virus and spreading it to susceptible birds through contact with contaminated nasal, respiratory, and faecal material. It is not unusual for 'spill over events' to occur when AI from wild birds infects domestic poultry flocks.

Although the spread of AI from birds to people is rare, it may occur with some strains of the virus if there has been close contact with infected birds or heavily contaminated environments. This potential zoonotic risk one of the main reasons we control AI virus infections in poultry.

HPAI H5N1: The virus detected in Meredith is NOT a HPAI H5N1 virus.

Since 2021, the subtype H5N1 has spread rapidly across most continents, causing mass mortalities in wild birds and poultry. It has also caused death in some mammal populations, especially those which scavenge on birds infected with AI, such as sea lions and seals. The severity of illness, and high death rates affecting such a wide range of species is unusual in these international incidents, compared to previous outbreaks of AI.

Clinical signs of HPAI in poultry

HPAI should be considered if a high proportion of a flock or group of birds become ill very quickly – progressing from normal to severe illness or death within 24 to 48 hours. Clinical signs may include sudden death, respiratory signs (coughing, sneezing, breathing difficulties), swelling and purple discoloration of the comb or head, decreased food or water intake, decreased egg production, diarrhoea, nervous signs (occasionally seen).

Avian influenza symptoms in people

Reported symptoms in people range from very mild to typical flu-like symptoms (eg conjunctivitis, cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches) to pneumonia and very rarely, death.

Anyone who has been in close contact with infected animals or materials, or has ‘influenza-like’ symptoms should seek medical advice immediately and contact the Communicable Disease Prevention Unit at the Department of Health on 1300 651 160 (24 hours).

There are no food safety issues identified; properly cooked chicken meat and eggs are safe to eat.

Prevention of avian influenza in birds

AI viruses can be easily transmitted from property to property by the movement of infected birds, as well as contaminated boots, vehicles and equipment. Using good biosecurity practices between and within properties and preventing contact between local water birds and poultry will lower the risk of disease spread.

People working with poultry and/or responding to avian influenza outbreaks should have a current seasonal influenza vaccine at least 2 weeks prior to coming in contact with infected birds. This will not prevent infection with avian influenza but will reduce the risk of co-infection with human influenza (‘flu’) and genetic reassortment of viruses to produce new influenza viruses that may pose a threat to the wider community.

Prevention of avian influenza in people

Appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been very effective in preventing illness. When coming into contact with potentially infected animals or materials, appropriate PPE to wear includes protective overalls, gloves and rubber boots, P2 facemask (a basic surgical mask is NOT suitable) and protective eyewear.