As no further cases of avian influenza have been detected in Victoria since 24 June, the restricted areas around Meredith has been removed and replaced with control areas. The size of the control areas in both regions have been reduced to match the former restricted areas.
The housing requirement in the newly designated control areas has been lifted, meaning birds no longer need to remain inside enclosures.
Permits for moving birds, poultry products, and equipment are still required for poultry premises in the control areas.
Agriculture Victoria continues to respond to the detection of avian influenza at 7 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 close to Meredith were infected with a dangerous strain of avian influenza called H7N3.
Disease monitoring is in place in the control areas. Early detection helps to stop disease spreading beyond control areas.
All properties remain in quarantine and poultry has been safely and humanely disposed of.
Agriculture Victoria staff are still on the ground supporting the affected property.
More information, including movement permits, maps, compensation details and mental health resources, are available online at agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza.
Support for farmers
Individual affected farms will experience significant financial stress.
Compensation is payable under specified circumstances for destruction of livestock and property on infected premises.
Other supports are available including:
- The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS)
- The Farm Household Allowance (FHA) is a fortnightly Commonwealth Government payment for farming families in financial hardship
- Low-interest loans for farm businesses are available through the Commonwealth Government’s Regional Investment Corporation (RIC)
The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) do not apply to a biosecurity emergency.
To see if there are any current incidents or warnings in your area, please visit emergency.vic.gov.au/respond.
You can also follow Emergency Victoria on Facebook or Twitter.