Bird flu has spread to a second Victorian poultry farm, authorities have confirmed.
The virus has spread to a property in the Terang region and is linked to a property at Meredith where the H7N3 high pathogenic strain of avian influenza virus was confirmed from an egg.
The flu has already caused numerous poultry deaths.
The Terang property has been placed under quarantine and control orders along with the Meredith farm.
It is not the same as the H5N1 strain that is behind recent outbreaks in the US and other parts of the world.
Victoria’s Chief Veterinarian Graeme Cooke said agriculture staff were working to contain and eradicate the virus.
“We encourage the community to play their part so we can suppress and eliminate this outbreak,” he said.
A restricted area of 5km and a control buffer zone of 20km has been set up around the Meredith farm.
A smaller 1.5km restricted area and a 15km control buffer zone has been set up around the Terang farm.
“Poultry owners who reside within the Restricted and Control Areas are asked to follow the restrictions and to report any unexplained bird deaths,” Cooke said.
He said cases among humans in direct contact were rare but not impossible.
“Consumers should not be concerned about eggs and poultry products from the supermarkets, they do not pose a risk and are safe to consume,” he said.
All Victorian poultry owners are reminded to follow biosecurity practices.
Experts are relieved the H7 strain has been detected as Australia has managed those outbreaks before.
The H5 strain that has broken out globally is proving to be more problematic.
