We are responding to the 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.

Diagnostic testing has confirmed the H7N9 avian influenza strain at the infected property at Terang. As a result, the restricted area has been increased to a 5 km radius around the infected property. Updated Movement Controls can be found below.

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.