On Monday 4 January, Agriculture Victoria announced further changes to avian influenza restrictions in Golden Plains Shire.
The existing Control Area covering the south of Golden Plains Shire has now been removed, with the smaller Restricted Area around Lethbridge replaced by a Control Area. The Lethbridge Control Area covers five kilometres from each infected property, including areas of neighbouring localities (see map below).
All poultry and captive bird owners should continue to follow good biosecurity practices in order to prevent a recurrence of avian influenza. Agriculture Victoria requests owners to continue monitoring their birds for signs of sickness and disease. More information can be found on the Agriculture Victoria website.
In July and August 2020, avian influenza was found at four poultry farms near Lethbridge, as well as properties in Bairnsdale and Kerang. Decontamination and depopulation works were carried out at all properties last year.
Control Area Orders and movement permits
The smaller Control Area remains in place around Lethbridge, to stop further spread of avian influenza.
A permit is required to move poultry, poultry products, equipment or vehicles involved in poultry production into, out of or within the Control Area.
A permit is required for buying, selling or moving eggs, manure and chickens, whether on the side of the road, from your property, your local store, social media or at markets. It is illegal to move these products without a permit.
Apply for a movement permit online and an Agriculture Victoria staff member will contact you.
Please see the below map and contact Agriculture Victoria’s Customer Contact Centre on (03) 4334 2715 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) for advice on a permit. Permits will be processed during business hours.
