Agriculture Victoria confirm avian influenza at second Euroa property
Bird flu has struck a second poultry farm the central Victoria, with new safety restrictions put in place for mass poultry producers.
Goulburn Valley
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Bird flu has been detected at a second poultry farm in Euroa days after an outbreak was detected in the state, with new restrictions imposed for mass producers.
The farm was the second property to be hit with avian influenza this year after it was detected at another Euroa site a few weeks ago.
It comes as Victoria was declared free from avian influenza on January 13, with the final quarantine orders lifted on farms near Meredith.
But on Thursday Agriculture Victoria confirmed the presence of H7N8 at the second property — which was different to the H5N1 strain spreading overseas.
Most people are not at risk, as avian influenza does not spread easily from birds to people. It can cause sudden death in birds.
Victoria’s acting chief veterinary officer Cameron Bell said it was not unexpected and
Agriculture Victoria undertook testing to understand where disease was present in the region.
“There are known connections between the properties which was how we identified high-priority testing sites early, even before disease was suspected,” he said.
Dr Bell thanked the impacted properties in the region for their co-operation.
“After we confirmed the first property last week, we implemented restricted and control areas immediately to mitigate risks of disease spread,” he said.
“If you are in the control or restricted areas, you cannot move birds, products (including eggs and manure) or equipment into, out of, or within the area without permit.
“This includes selling or giving away eggs from your poultry – these must not leave your property.”
The control area included Euroa, Violet Town, Longwood, Ruffy, Avenel and Strathbogie.
A housing requirement has now been introduced for producers with more than 50 poultry in the restricted area.
The housing requirement area was a smaller zone than the larger control area and extended about 5km from the impacted properties in all directions.
Dr Bell said the greatest risk was to larger producers who had more movement on and off property.
“Immediate notification from properties when they notice their poultry are unwell is crucial to us getting on top of this outbreak,” he said.
Dr Bell said consumers should not be concerned about egg and poultry products from the supermarket because they are safe to consume.
Community can report suspect disease, sudden poultry death and ask questions by calling the
VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
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