Rural
16 July, 2024
Bird flu spread is under surveillance
Avian influenza has been detected at an eighth Victorian property.
Avian influenza is a viral disease of birds found globally.
Virus strains are described as low pathogenicity (LPAI) or high pathogenicity (HPAI), and there are many sub-strains.
Seven infected properties close to Meredith have been infected with a strain of avian influenza called H7N3.
One property near Terang has become infected with a strain called H7N9.
The Department of Animal and Plant Pest and Diseases said there is no connection between these detections of H7 HPAI in poultry and the detection of H5N1 avian influenza in a person who recently returned from travel overseas.
Wildlife Health Australia said, worldwide, HPAI H7 viruses are rarely detected in wild birds, and that there have been no reports of mass wild bird deaths, nor any detections of HPAI in wild birds in Australia.
A process for enhanced wild bird surveillance has been developed, and the organisation said monitoring of wild bird populations will continue.
Agricultural Victoria said there is a surveillance program in place to restrict and control areas where avian flu had been detected, and that discovery of more infected properties is evidence the program is effective.
Restricted and control areas surround all infected premises in the Golden Plains and Corangamite shires.
Agriculture Victoria (AgVic) staff are on the ground supporting the affected properties, and working closely with poultry owners and the industry to contain and kill the virus.
Tracing is also underway to determine the source and spread of the infection.
The state's chief veterinary officer, Graeme Cooke, said the detection was not unexpected given the farms' proximity to each other.
Movement controls are now in place to prevent the spread of avian influenza, requiring permits for teh transport of birds, poultry products, feed and equipment to or from properties in the control or restricted area.
Vehicles carrying poultry feed in the control area do not need a permit, provided they meet basic biosecurity requirements including cleaning and disinfection.
A permit is required for vehicles moving poultry feed in the restricted area.
Heavy penalties apply for those who do not follow the restrictions listed on the AgVic website.
Poultry farmers and backyard flock and bird owners are asked to report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.