Last updated 25 June 2024

Agriculture Victoria is responding to the detection of avian influenza at 8 Victorian poultry farms. Avian influenza is a viral disease of birds found globally. Virus strains are described as low pathogenicity (LPAI) or high pathogenicity (HPAI).

Seven infected properties near Meredith are confirmed to have a high pathogenicity H7N3 strain of avian influenza, and one infected property near Terang is confirmed to have a high pathogenicity H7N9 strain.

A comprehensive surveillance program has been in place in the restricted and control areas in order to detect the presence of such viruses. The detection of infected properties shows that this program is working well to detect infections so they can be eliminated before spreading outside restricted areas.

Restricted and control areas are in place surrounding all infected premises, within both the Golden Plains and Corangamite shires.

All properties have been placed in quarantine and all poultry will be safely and humanely disposed of. The sites will be cleaned and cleared of the infection.

Agriculture Victoria staff are on the ground supporting the affected properties and working closely with poultry owners and industry to contain and eradicate the virus. Tracing is also underway to determine the source and spread of the infection.