On Thursday, February 20, Agriculture Victoria confirmed the virus had been detected at a property in close proximity to the other infected sites.
According to the state’s Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Cameron Bell, the finding is not unexpected given how close the properties are.
Agriculture Victoria staff are on the ground, working to contain and eradicate the virus.
Kinross Farms has confirmed on their website that they are impacted by the outbreak.
“The management team at the Euroa site is working with Agriculture Victoria and other relevant authorities to manage the situation, placing a priority on the health and wellbeing of our people, and the welfare of our chickens,” the statement on the website says.
Restrictions have been in place since bird flu was first detected on earlier this month.
The control orders restrict the movement of poultry, poultry products, equipment, and vehicles on or off properties in designated zones to prevent the spread of disease.
The zones cover a restricted 5km radius around the infected farms, and a broader control area spanning east of the Goulburn Valley Fwy and including the townships of Euroa, Violet Town, Longwood, Ruffy, Avenel and Strathbogie.
“If you are in the control or restricted areas, you cannot move birds, products (including eggs and manure) or equipment into, out of, or within the area without permit,” Dr Bell said.
“This includes selling or giving away eggs from your poultry – these must not leave your property.”
Other restrictions introduced after confirmation of infection at the second Euroa property also remain in place.
A housing requirement for properties with 50 or more poultry in Euroa, or within 5km of affected farms, continues.
Birds on these properties must be kept in cages or sheds to avoid contact with other birds and reduce the risk of further disease spread.
The H7N8 avian flu detected in this outbreak is different from the strain which wreaked havoc last year and saw 1.8 million birds killed in southern Victoria, NSW, and the ACT.
It also differs from the H5N1 bird flu spreading in other areas of the world.
Dr Bell said supermarket eggs and poultry products remain safe for Victorians to consume.
Still, he urged poultry and bird owners to remain vigilant in trying to prevent the spread of disease.
“A strong biosecurity system relies on everyone playing their part,’” he said.
“Immediate notification from poultry owners when they notice their poultry are unwell is crucial to us getting on top of this outbreak.”
Community members must report suspected disease and sudden poultry death by calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
For more information, including to check whether you are in the restricted area or control area, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza
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