Bird flu detected at small egg farm in Golden Plains as virus spreads

A small commercial egg farm is the latest property to be struck down by the highly contagious bird flu, which continues to spread across the region.

A seventh farm has been infected with bird flu. Picture: Mike Dugdale

A small commercial egg farm is the latest property to be infected with bird flu.

It is the eighth farm in Victoria to be recently struck down by highly contagious avian influenza, including seven in the Golden Plains Shire and one in Terang, near Warrnambool.

It is not yet known how many birds will be culled due to the latest detection of the H7N3 strain but the small farm was already in quarantine when the disease was found.

Victoria’s chief veterinary officer Graeme Cooke said the detection was “not unexpected”.

“(It) shows that risk-based restricted and control areas are reasonable and that our surveillance measures are working as we want them to,” he said.

“We’re continuing to work with affected producers and the poultry industry to respond to these detections through ongoing testing and careful biosecurity practices.

“Movement restrictions are expected to be in place for several weeks, and we’re working with industry to support poultry farmers with the logistical challenges they’re facing.”

Farms in the region have tested positive to the disease since May this year.

Bird flu has also been found at a property near Meredith, where 400,000 poultry were disposed of, and in Lethbridge.

A number of restrictions remain in place for farmers in the Golden Plains Shire.

Mental health support is available for eligible farmers and producers.

Eggs and poultry products available from major supermarkets are still safe to consume.

The content summaries were created with the assistance of AI technology, then edited and approved for publication by an editor.

Originally published as Bird flu detected at small egg farm in Golden Plains as virus spreads