Community
17 January, 2025
Avian influenza outbreak ends
AGRICULTURE Victoria has lifted quarantine on the last property impacted by H7 avian influenza, bringing the outbreak in Victoria to an end.
In 2024 Victoria experienced Australia’s largest avian influenza outbreak.
Between May 22 and June 24, eight commercial poultry properties in south-west Victoria had birds that tested positive for high pathogenicity H7 avian influenza.
Seven infected properties near Meredith were confirmed to have a high pathogenicity H7N3 strain of avian influenza, and one infected property near Terang was confirmed to have a high pathogenicity H7N9 strain.
Victoria’s acting chief veterinary officer Dr Cameron Bell said the two Victorian H7 strains of avian influenza were now successfully eradicated.
“Victoria’s response included undertaking extensive surveillance, with testing of 38,000 birds taking place,” Dr Bells said.
“The collaborative efforts of government, the chicken meat and egg industries, and the community have ensured that we could respond effectively to the outbreak.”
All bird owners across Victoria are reminded to maintain good biosecurity practices including keeping poultry sheds, yards, aviaries and equipment clean and excluding wild birds from feed and drinking water.
If you are a poultry farmer, backyard flock owner or bird owner, report any unexplained bird deaths to your private vet, Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888.
