A deadly strain of bird flu has been found at another Victorian property, raising an alert for bird owners including farmers and households with backyard chickens.
The H7N3 avian influenza strain has been detected at a poultry farm near Meredith in the state’s southwest, bringing the total number of properties affected by flu outbreaks in Victoria to three.
The farm is located within an existing five kilometer exclusion zone established after the virus was detected on a nearby property in May.
Some 500,000 birds were culled after bird flu was detected at two farms operated by Avgo and Surf Coast Eggs Farms, which share management, staff and machinery at sites in Meredith and Terang.
Authorities have not revealed whether the birds will be euthanized following the latest discovery, however the property has been quarantined while further testing is carried out.
The H7N3 strain of avian influenza 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 any unexplained bird deaths.
“Regardless of whether you are a commercial producer or have a few chickens in your backyard, there are things you should do to protect your birds from disease,” Mr. Cooke said.
The restricted 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, feed or equipment through the area.
The alert issued by Agriculture Victoria states that consumers should not be concerned about supermarket eggs and poultry products as they “do not pose a risk and are safe to consume”.
The United States has imposed restrictions on imports of poultry and poultry by-products from Victoria until further notice.