Deadly bird flu strain is found at another Australian property – sparking an urgent warning
A deadly strain of bird flu has been found in another Victorian estate, prompting a warning for bird owners including farmers and households with backyard chickens.
Bird flu strain H7N3 was detected at a poultry farm near Meredith in the state’s south-west, bringing the total number of properties affected by flu outbreaks in Victoria to three.
The farm is within an existing five kilometer exclusion zone that was put in place after the virus was discovered at a nearby property in May.
About 500,000 birds were culled after bird flu was discovered on two farms operated by Avgo and Surf Coast Eggs Farms, which share management, staff and machinery across sites in Meredith and Terang.
Authorities have not revealed whether the birds will be culled following the latest discovery, but the property has been quarantined while more testing is carried out.
Bird flu strain H7N3 has been found on a poultry farm in south-west Victoria
Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Graeme Cooke said the latest discovery was “not unexpected”.
He urged all bird owners in the restricted area to follow strict rules and immediately report unexplained bird deaths.
“Regardless of whether you are a commercial producer or keep a few chickens in your backyard, there are things you need to do to protect your birds from disease,” Mr Cooke said.
The restriction zone in Meredith has been expanded and a buffer zone has been established in the eastern part of the Golden Plains Shire Council, meaning a permit is required to move birds, poultry products, food or equipment through the area.
The warning from Agriculture Victoria says consumers should not worry about eggs and poultry products from the supermarket as they ‘pose no risk and are safe to consume’.
The US has imposed restrictions on imports of Victorian poultry and poultry by-products until further notice.
