Community
6 June, 2024
Cull confirmed following Avian Influenza outbreak
AGRICULTURE Victoria has confirmed 160,000 birds have been culled in response to the detection of the Avian Influenza virus at a Terang-based poultry farm.
As Western District Newspapers reported last week, Agriculture Victoria announced on May 24 it had implemented containment measures after an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H7N9 Avian Influenza was detected in poultry at a farm on Keilambete Road.
An Agriculture Victoria spokesperson confirmed the impacted poultry had been humanely euthanized and surveillance measures would continue to ensure the outbreak has been contained.
“Agriculture Victoria is responding to the detection of Avian Influenza at a poultry farm near Terang,” the spokesperson said.
“The property is in quarantine; all poultry have been safely disposed of and the site will be cleared of the infection.
“Surveillance activities are being conducted within the movement control area surrounding the infected property.”
The spokesperson said movement controls still apply to specified areas near Terang and prohibit the movement of birds, poultry products, feed, and equipment on or off properties without a permit.
This includes a Restricted Area covering a five-kilometre radius, with a broader Control Area buffer zone covering a 15km radius.
The measures come after the first outbreak was detected at Meredith, just outside Geelong.
Terang was the second site of outbreak in the state, and an additional infected property has since been detected in the Golden Plains Shire.
Agriculture Victoria staff are on the ground supporting the impacted businesses and working closely with industry to contain and eradicate the virus.
Contact tracing is also underway to determine the source and spread of the infection.
“A housing requirement is in place for all birds within the movement control area surrounding the infected property,” the spokesperson said.
“This means all bird owners must house their birds in cages or sheds as practically as possible.
“Poultry farmers, backyard flock and bird owners are urged to report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226, your local vet or the EAD hotline on 1800 675 888.”
Up to date information, including an online permit application form is on the Agriculture Victoria website at http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza.