A poultry housing requirement that has been in effect to control the spread of high pathogenicity avian influenza near Terang and Meredith was lifted as of last month for some birds.

As no further cases of high pathogenicity avian influenza had been detected in Victoria since 24 June, changes to the control orders were gazetted, taking Victoria one step closer to being free from the high pathogenicity avian influenza virus.

The H7N3 strain of the virus was detected at seven properties close to Meredith, the last of which occurred on 24 June, while the H7N9 strain was detected at one property near Terang on 24 May.

From last month, Thursday, 15 August:

• the housing requirement for poultry in the control areas surrounding Meredith and Terang have been lifted
• the restricted area around the Terang infected property has been reduced from a 5km to a 1.5 km radius
• the control area at Terang has also been reduced from a 15km to a 5km radius.

The control and restricted areas in the Meredith area will remain the same.

Victoria’s Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Sally Salmon said staff continue to undertake disease monitoring activities, including property visits, phone calls and dead bird collections, and testing samples collected from properties in the restricted and control areas.

‘Everyone’s cooperation has been critical in allowing this easing of restrictions,’ she said.

‘Every text replied to, phone call answered, dead bird report, and live bird testing has, and will, help us get to the next step of lifting restrictions further.

‘Affected properties are continuing to be supported during ongoing decontamination, and egg and litter disposal activities to ensure their properties are free from the disease.’

Poultry and bird owners are reminded that movement controls are still in place for both the Meredith and Terang areas and permits are required for the movement of birds, poultry products and feed.

The housing requirement remains in place for poultry located in the restricted areas around Meredith and Terang, meaning all birds need to remain in their enclosures, to avoid any contact with wild birds.

‘Movement controls that have been in place since May have been effective in reducing the number of infections and have helped to stop the disease spreading beyond the restricted areas,’ said Dr Salmon.

‘We would like to thank the poultry industry, and the businesses and affected properties for their ongoing assistance during this response. Without their cooperation and reporting it would not have been possible to control the spread of this disease outbreak.

Poultry farmers, backyard flock and bird owners are urged to continue to be vigilant and report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

While cases among humans in direct contact with animals infected with high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses are possible, the current risk to the public remains low.

If you have had contact with birds on an affected property and you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, call your doctor or the Department of Health on 1300 651 160 for medical advice.

A list of resources and contact details for industry and individual support, including technical, financial and mental health information, support and services, is available in our resource directory.

More information, including movement permits, maps, compensation details and mental health resources, are available online at agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza.

Words: Agriculture Victoria. Image: Supplied

Avian influenza virus has been confirmed at an eighth Victorian farm, which was already in quarantine.

Tests have confirmed the high pathogenicity H7N3 strain at a small commercial egg farm, which is located within the current restricted area in the Golden Plains Shire, where movement restrictions were already in place.

All poultry at the property will be humanely disposed of under veterinary supervision, consistent with national policies and the site will be cleaned and cleared of the infection