Hundreds of thousands of birds to be culled due to avian influenza discovery

Agriculture Victoria has confirmed the strain of avian influenza behind a number of poultry deaths at an egg farm near Meredith, with the outbreak resulting in the culling of hundreds of thousands of birds.

Victoria's chief veterinary officer Dr Graeme Cooke.

Agriculture Victoria has confirmed the strain of avian influenza virus behind a number of poultry deaths at an egg farm near Meredith, with the outbreak resulting in the culling of hundreds of thousands of birds.

The Avgo farm was previously owned by Moorabool Valley Eggs, which went into administration last year.

Meredith Chicken Farm. A team prepare to enter the chicken sheds. Picture: Mike Dugdale

The infected property has about 400,000 poultry, which will be humanely disposed of to manage the outbreak and minimise spread to other properties.

News Corp understands the farm is home to pullets, free range and caged hens.

Movement controls are now in place to prevent spread of the virus while the property is quarantined, all poultry disposed of, and the site is cleared of the infection.

Contact tracing is also underway to determine the source and spread of the infection.

People in protective gear following the outbreak. Picture: Mike Dugdale

Agriculture Victoria said a restricted area covering a 5km radius around the infected premises and a broader control area buffer zone covering an area of 20km were in place.

“This restricts the movement of poultry, poultry products, equipment and vehicles on or off properties in these areas,” Agriculture Victoria said.

“Penalties apply for those who do not follow these restrictions.”

Standard practice is to gas birds in bins holding with an atmosphere of 40 per cent carbon dioxide.

A truck load of gas bottle arrive at the farm

Gas bottles could be seen arriving at the farm on Thursday.

Victoria’s chief veterinarian Graeme Cooke said Agriculture Victoria staff were on the ground to support the business and working closely with the industry to contain and eradicate the virus.

“Avian influenza is a viral disease of birds found globally,” Dr Cooke said.

“The strain of the virus detected near Meredith is H7N3, which is different from the H5N1 avian influenza strain that’s impacting the USA and other parts of the world.

“H5N1 has not been detected in birds in Australia.

“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.

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

More to come.

Earlier: Bird flu discovered at Meredith egg farm

Agriculture Victoria is investigating a number of poultry deaths at an egg farm near Meredith where bird flu has been identified.

Victoria’s chief veterinary officer Graeme Cooke said preliminary testing confirmed the presence of avian influenza virus, also known as bird flu.

“Agriculture Victoria is responding with staff on the ground supporting the business with further laboratory investigations as necessary,” Dr Cooke said.

“Poultry farmers, backyard flock and bird owners are urged to report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888, or to your local vet.”

Samples were delivered to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness at Geelong for further tests which will determine the type and nature of the disease.

The property has been placed into quarantine and Agriculture Victoria staff are on the ground to support the business and investigate further.

The current risk to the public remains low.

Avian influenza is a viral disease of birds and strains can be described as low pathogenicity or high pathogenicity, which refers to how a disease develops.

Agricultures Victoria said consumers should not be concerned about eggs and poultry products from the supermarkets, as they did not pose a risk and were safe to consume.

The agency is reminding all poultry and bird owners across Victoria to follow best biosecurity practices such keeping poultry sheds, yards, aviaries and equipment clean, and restricting contact between poultry and wild birds.

Bird owners should also ensure their footwear is clean, always wash hands before and after handling birds or eggs and quarantine new birds before integrating with existing ones.

More information is available at the Agriculture Victoria website.

More to come.

Originally published as Hundreds of thousands of birds to be culled due to avian influenza discovery