AGRICULTURE Victoria says it is investigating a number of poultry deaths at an egg farm near Meredith in the southern part of the state – after preliminary tests confirmed the presence of avian influenza.

The virus, also known as bird flu, has been causing issues for livestock industries across the world. While it has been found in dairy cattle in the United States, the beef industry has been keen emphasise that has not been found in beef cattle.

However, as Beef Central’s US columnist Steve Kay said in his latest article, the virus sent some nerves through US futures markets.

Samples have been taken on the Victorian farm and delivered to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness at Geelong for further tests which will determine the type and nature of the disease.

The property has been placed into quarantine and Agriculture Victoria staff are on-the-ground to support the business and investigate further. The Australian Chicken Meat Federation pointed out that it does not appear to be the virulent strain 2.3.4.4b.

Victoria’s chief veterinary officer Dr Graeme Cooke urged the public to be on the lookout for the virus.

“Agriculture Victoria is responding with staff on the ground supporting the business with further laboratory investigations as necessary.”

“Poultry farmers, backyard flock and bird owners are urged to report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888, or to your local vet.”

All poultry and bird owners across Victoria are reminded to follow best biosecurity practices such keeping poultry sheds, yards, aviaries and equipment clean, and restricting contact between your poultry and wild birds.

Bird owners should also ensure their footwear is clean, always wash hands before and after handling birds or eggs and quarantine new birds before integrating with existing ones.

Human case of the virus detected

In a separate announcement, the Victorian health department says it has detected a case of the human bird flu H5N1.

“The case occurred in a child, who acquired the infection in India and was unwell in March 2024,” the department said in a statement.

“The avian influenza virus was detected through further testing of positive influenza samples that takes place to detect novel or concerning flu virus strains, as part of Victoria’s enhanced surveillance system. Contact tracing has not identified any further cases of avian influenza connected to this case.”

The department says the risk of contracting bird flu from animals or animal products is very low.

• Any suspicion of an emergency animal disease (EAD) should be immediately reported to the 24-hour EAD Hotline on 1800 675 888 or to your local vet.

Source: Victorian Government