Bird flu detected on free-range egg farm in western Victoria
Avian influenza has been detected at a free-range egg farm near Lethbridge. Movement controls are now in place.
BIRD flu has been detected at a free-range egg farm in western Victoria.
Agriculture Victoria announced tonight the farm near Lethbridge tested positive for the H7N7 avian influenza virus.
The affected property has been placed under quarantine and all birds on the property will be destroyed to stop the spread of the highly contagious disease.
Movement controls have been put in place for Golden Plains Shire, including a restricted area buffer zone established within a radius of 5km from the infected farm.
Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said the controls prohibit the movement of birds, related equipment and products within and out of the designated zone unless a permit has been granted by Agriculture Victoria.
The movement controls will be in place until further notice.
“Agriculture Victoria is conducting surveillance throughout the Restricted Area buffer zone to determine whether the virus is contained to the property or whether it may be active in other areas,” Dr Cooke said.
Avian influenza predominantly affects chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, quail, pheasants and ostriches. Wild birds, including waterfowl and seabirds can also carry the virus.
Dr Cooke said all pigeon races, bird shows and bird sales in the Golden Plains Shire should be cancelled and domestic bird and backyard chook owners in the control area should ensure all their birds are kept separate from all other birds.
“Poultry farmers, back yard flock and bird owners are urged to report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888, to your local vet or to Agriculture Victoria animal health staff,” Dr Cooke said.
Signs of the disease:
SUDDEN death
BIRDS with difficulty breathing, such as coughing, sneezing, or rasping
SWELLING and purple discolouration of the head, comb, wattles and neck
RAPID drop in eating, drinking and egg production
RUFFLED feathers, dopiness, closed eyes
DIARRHOEA
The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services said the virus was not a risk to the public as it rarely affects humans unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds.
But if you have had contact with birds on an affected property and you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, call your doctor or the Department of Health and Human Services on 1300 651 160 for medical advice.
There are no food safety issues identified; properly cooked chicken meat and eggs are safe to eat.
According to the Federal Department of Health website, the last reported case of avian influenza in Australia was in 2013 in Young, NSW, where more than 400,000 birds were culled.
Previous outbreaks occurred in commercial poultry farms in NSW (2012), Victoria (1976, 1985 and 1992) and Queensland (1994).
Avian influenza outbreaks have devastated poultry and egg industries overseas.
In 2003, the Netherlands culled more than 30 million birds in order to eradicate the disease.
Eradication cost more than €150 million, which is approximately $250 million AUD.
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