Bird flu has been detected at a sixth Victorian commercial farm as authorities attempt to quell food safety concerns over the outbreak.
A duck farm within the restricted zone at the Golden Plains Shire, west of Melbourne, is the latest to detect the fatal virus among its flock.
There are five sites in Meredith and Lethbridge and another in the Corangamite Shire where the disease has been found.
“All properties have been placed in quarantine and all poultry will be safely disposed of. The sites will be cleaned and cleared of the infection,” Agriculture Victoria said in its latest update.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand has stepped in to assure shoppers it is safe to continue eating chicken meat, eggs and egg products.
According to the authority, there is no evidence to show the virus can be transmitted to people through properly prepared food.
“Farms affected by bird flu have been quarantined and the movement of animals and products restricted,” chief executive Sandra Cuthbert said.
“Poultry flocks affected by bird flu are being destroyed as part of the emergency response to contain the disease as it is highly contagious in poultry. This approach is to restrict the spread of the disease between birds, not to manage food safety.
“For animal products to be sold as food, animals must not be a source of food safety concerns. All retail products must meet strict food safety production requirements.”
All bird owners are urged to report any unexplained bird deaths to the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226.
