Second Avian Influenza Outbreak Detected at Poultry Farm in Victoria

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has resurfaced at a second poultry farm in Victoria, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to two within the state this year. Agriculture Victoria (AV) announced the second outbreak on a farm in Euroa, situated close to where the first case was identified less than a week ago.

Details of the Outbreak

The affected property houses approximately 180,000 birds. Following biosecurity guidelines, these birds will be euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease. The same strain, H7N8, has been identified at both sites. Authorities discovered this case through tracing activities based on known connections between the farms.

Expert Commentary

Dr. Cameron Bell, Acting Chief Veterinary Officer at AV, stated that the second detection was anticipated. “We had identified these properties as high-priority testing sites due to their connections, even before disease symptoms appeared,” Dr. Bell noted.

Affected Farms and Business Response

Both farms are owned by Kinross Farms, a major egg producer in Australia, and operate free-range layer hens. Philip Szepe, the managing director of Kinross Farms, described the situation as challenging. “We are committed to cooperating fully with Agriculture Victoria and other authorities to handle the outbreak,” he said.

Szepe added that the company’s other farms across Victoria remain operational under strict biosecurity measures. “We appreciate our customers’ continued support. It’s important to note that avian influenza does not impact the safety of eggs or poultry products,” he emphasized.

Quarantine Measures

To contain the spread, a quarantine control area has been established east of the Goulburn Valley Freeway, covering Euroa, Violet Town, and Strathbogie. Within this zone, movement of birds, products, and equipment is restricted without proper permits.

“Eggs from poultry within the control areas must not be sold or distributed outside the property,” Dr. Bell specified. Exemptions are in place for vehicles transporting goods along the Hume Freeway, provided they do not stop within the restricted zones.

Additional Restrictions

A housing requirement has been imposed on producers with more than 50 birds within a 5-kilometer radius of the affected sites. All birds in these areas must be sheltered and kept away from wild birds to minimize the risk of further infection.

Economic Impact and Egg Shortages

The recent outbreak exacerbates existing egg shortages across the nation. Supply chain disruptions from last year’s bird flu outbreak continue to affect the availability of eggs in supermarkets, making this a significant concern for consumers.

Conclusion

While the detection of avian influenza at a second farm in Victoria is concerning, proactive measures and strict biosecurity protocols are in place to mitigate the risks. The industry continues to emphasize the safety of eggs and poultry products, assuring consumers that these are not affected by the outbreak.

Stay Informed

To keep up with the latest developments and ensure your safety, visit the official Agriculture Victoria website for regular updates. Please subscribe to our newsletter for alerts on future outbreaks and stay connected on social media for the most current information.

We value your feedback. Please leave your comments below and share this important information with your network to help prevent the spread of avian influenza.