Agriculture Victoria has advised Council a free-range egg farm near Lethbridge has tested positive for H7N7 avian influenza virus.
Movement controls dependent on the risk, have been put in place in Golden Plains Shire and the affected property has been quarantined. These controls prohibit, until further notice, the movement of birds, equipment and products within and out of, the designated restricted area, except under permit issued by Agriculture Victoria. Movement permits from Agriculture Victoria can be applied for online at agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/avian-influenza-bird-flu.
Agriculture Victoria is conducting surveillance throughout the area to determine whether the virus is contained to the property or may be a risk to other properties.
The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the H7N7 virus is not a risk to the public as it rarely affects humans unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds. There are no food safety issues identified; properly cooked chicken meat and eggs are safe to eat.
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 and Human Services on 1300 651 160 for medical advice.
Poultry farmers, and back yard flock and bird owners are urged to report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888, to your local vet or to Agriculture Victoria animal health staff.
For more information, or if you have any queries about this case or restrictions, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/avian-influenza-bird-flu.