An egg farm in northern Victoria has tested positive for H7N8 High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (AI) virus. Photo: DAFF

AGRICULTURE Victoria has confirmed the presence of avian influenza at a commercial free-range egg farm at Euroa in northern Victoria.

The farm has been quarantined.

Avian influenza is a viral disease of birds found globally with virus strains are described as low pathogenicity (LPAI) or high pathogenicity (HPAI).

Diagnostic testing performed by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness at Geelong confirmed high pathogenicity H7N8, which is different from the now-eradicated strains that impacted Victorian, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory poultry farms during 2024.

The strain detected is also different from the H5N1 avian influenza strain impacting the US and other parts of the world.

Agriculture Victoria staff are on the ground to assist control, support the business, and investigate further.

A control order under the Livestock Disease and Control Act 1994 is being established.

This will include a restricted area extending approximately 5km around the impacted property and a control area in the eastern portion of the Strathbogie Shire to prevent movements that could spread the virus.

A control area is being established in the eastern portion of the pictured Strathbogie Shire. Image: Strathbogie Shire

Victoria’s acting chief veterinarian Cameron Bell praised the poultry business for alerting Agriculture Victoria as soon as they suspected the presence of disease in their flock.

“Avian influenza is commonly spread by wild birds, and unfortunately, despite the business having excellent biosecurity controls in place, poultry have been infected,” Dr Bell said.

“The business has acted quickly to identify the infection within the flock and are working closely with Agriculture Victoria officers to contain the outbreak.”

Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said all levels of government were prepared to deal with this new outbreak.

“Australia has successfully contained and eradicated HPAI H7 a number of times in the past 50 years, including as recently as last year,” Ms Collins said.

“The government is well prepared for avian influenza outbreaks, and we’re taking this incident of HPAI extremely seriously.

“The Albanese Labor Government is investing more than $100 million in enhancing national preparedness and response capability, to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response capability and mitigate the impacts of a potential H5 bird flu outbreak on Australian agriculture, environment and human health.

“These preparations build on our strong national biosecurity arrangements, with the Government investing more than $1 billion over four years to Australia’s biosecurity system.”

Australian Eggs managing director Rowan McMonnies said it was “very disappointing” for the industry to grapple with another detection after the successful eradication of the virus last year.

“There has been a significant recovery from last years’ outbreak and there is still some localised disruption to supply being experienced,” Mr McMonnies said.

“Fortunately, this new outbreak is in a remote area and relates to a relatively small farm and it is not expected to impact supply significantly.

“Australians should take comfort that eggs remain safe to eat and egg farmers are working hard to keep up with demand.

“The egg industry around the country appreciates the continued support during this challenging time.”

Previous HPAI-free declaration

This news comes just two days after the Federal Government announced that Australia was declared free of HPAI to the World Organisation for Animal Health.

In a February 6 release, it was confirmed that all the H7 HPAI outbreaks that occurred in 2024 had been eradicated in Victoria, NSW and the ACT.

“Australia’s national emergency animal disease response arrangements have contained and eradicated the recent outbreaks of H7 HPAI, allowing us to self-declare disease freedom to the World Organisation for Animal Health,” Ms Collins said in a statement.

“This is something every Australian should be proud of.

“It demonstrates that governments and industry are really switched on to the risks and will act quickly to respond to emergency animal disease outbreaks.”

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

Consumers should not be concerned about eggs and poultry products from the supermarkets, they do not pose a risk and are safe to consume.

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 a local vet.

Source: Agriculture Victoria, Federal Government, Australian Eggs