There has been a detection of avian influenza at two Victorian poultry farms.
The first infected property near Meredith is confirmed to have the H7N3 strain of avian influenza and the second infected property near Terang is confirmed H7N9.
These properties have been placed in quarantine and all poultry will be safely disposed of and the sites cleared of the infection.
Housing requirement
There are movement controls that include a housing requirement for all birds within the restricted areas and control areas in Merdith and Terang.
Under the housing requirement all poultry farmers, backyard flock and bird owners must house or keep their birds enclosed in cages or sheds as practically as possible.
Agriculture Victoria staff are on-the-ground to supporting the businesses and working closely with industry to contain and eradicate the virus. Contact tracing is also underway to determine the source and spread of the infection.
Avian influenza is a viral disease of birds found globally. Virus strains are described as low pathogenicity (LPAI) or high pathogenicity (HPAI).
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.
Poultry farmers, backyard flock and bird owners are urged to report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
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. Find out more about avian influenza in humans from the BetterHealth Channel.
Movement controls
Movement controls are now in place to prevent any spread of avian influenza.
This includes:
- a restricted area covers a 5 km radius around the Meredith farm with a broader Control Area buffer zone in the eastern part of Golden Plains Shire Council. The western boundary of this area is the Colac-Ballarat Road.
- a restricted area covering a 5 km radius around the Terang farm with a broader control Area buffer zone covering a 15 km radius.
- a housing requirement for all birds within these areas.
The movement controls require permits for the movement of birds, poultry products, feed and equipment on or off the properties in these areas. Penalties apply for those who do not follow these restrictions.
Examples of products that can’t be moved without a permit include eggs, poultry feed, drinking water and bedding.
To apply for a permit fill in this online form.
Read the latest restriction and control order.
Housing requirement
There are housing requirement for all birds within the restricted areas and control areas in Merdith and Terang.
Under the housing requirement all poultry farmers, backyard flock and bird owners must house or keep their birds enclosed in cages or sheds. Penalties apply for those who do not follow these restrictions.
Housing birds is an effective method of minimising direct contact with wild birds that can carry the disease with no apparent symptoms. The order will reduce the risk that more birds will contract avian influenza, however it will not eliminate the risk of spread.
If you don’t have a building in which to house your birds, then efforts should be made to separate them and their food and drink from wild birds that may be carrying avian influenza (e.g. by using netting).
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