AVIAN influenza virus has now been confirmed at a second Victorian poultry farm – and while both sites are in the southern half of the state, Ag Vic has issued a statewide alert.
The first detection was at Meredith, between Geelong and Ballarat, but the latest outbreak is in the Terang region in the Western District.
Ag Vic says the two properties are linked.
This outbreak of the H7N3 high-pathogenicity strain of avian influenza virus has resulted in numerous poultry deaths.
Control orders are in place restricting the movement of poultry, poultry products, equipment and vehicles onto or off properties in designated areas around the two infected premises.
They include a restricted area covering a five-kilometre radius around the Meredith farm, with a broader control area buffer zone covering an area of 20km, and a restricted area covering a 1.5km radius around the Terang farm, with a broader control area buffer zone covering an area of 15km.
Any suspicion of an emergency animal disease (EAD) should be immediately reported to the 24-hour EAD Hotline on 1800 675 888 or to your local vet.
Ag Vic says consumers should not be concerned about eggs and poultry products from supermarkets as they do not pose a risk and are safe to consume.
While cases among humans in direct contact with animals infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses are possible, the current risk to the public is said to be low.
