Bird flu outbreak reaches seventh operation

A seventh case of avian influenza has been detected in Victoria’s Golden Plains Shire, with existing movement controls to remain in place.

A seventh Victorian farm has been infected with avian influenza virus.

Agriculture Victoria confirmed on Monday that a commercial egg farm in the current Restricted Area of the Golden Plains Shire has been hit with the high pathogenecity H7N3 strain of the virus.

All poultry at the property will be humanely disposed of under veterinary supervision.

“We’re continuing to work with affected producers and the poultry industry to respond to these detections through ongoing testing and careful biosecurity practices,” said Victoria’s chief veterinary officer Graeme Cook.

“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.”

Existing movement controls will remain in place, and Agriculture Victoria have reaffirmed eggs and other poultry products pose no risk to consumers and are safe to consume.

JUNE 14:

A sixth property has been hit with avian influenza in Victoria, this time a duck farm in the Golden Plains Shire.

Agriculture Victoria announced on Thursday the H7N3 strain of the virus had spread to a commercial duck farm located within a current restricted area that was already in quarantine.

It is the first instance of a duck farm being affected in this current outbreak.

Victoria’s chief veterinary officer Graeme Cooke said the detection was not unexpected given the proximity to another infected premise (IP).

“We have established Restricted and Control Areas in proximity to existing IPs which has assisted us in limiting the spread and quickly detecting the sixth IP through comprehensive surveillance activities,” he said.

“It’s a difficult time for our farmers and we’re making sure mental health support is available and eligible producers can access compensation.”

Agriculture Victoria have said duck eggs and duck meat did not pose a risk and were safe to consume, with supply chain contingencies meaning the current Victorian supply would not be significantly affected.

All ducks at the property will be humanely disposed of under veterinary supervision, while movement controls remain in place in designated areas near Lethbridge, Meredith and Terang, with a housing requirement for all birds in these areas.

This comes after a fifth outbreak was confirmed at a poultry farm last week, the fourth in the Golden Plains Shire, with the other in Terang.