Macedon Ranges poultry and egg farmers are on alert after Agriculture Victoria confirmed the presence of avian influenza at two properties in Northern Victoria.
According to Agriculture Victoria, H7 avian influenza – or bird flu – was detected at two poultry properties in northern Victoria that are now in quarantine, with both infected properties connected.
Monegeetta egg farm Josh’s Rainbow Eggs founder and chief operating officer Josh Murray said that when he heard of the first of the two cases this month, he had an “immediate fear response.”
He said that if a farm is infected, you cannot run a business from that farm for 12 months.
“You can’t have chickens on that farm, and if you’re not careful, it could literally mean the end of your business. So, it’s an extremely intense feeling that … is bad and then it subsides a little bit, but it’s basically sitting in my stomach at all times right now,” Mr Murray said.
He said while the farm remained vigilant following last year’s cases of influenza, the announcement of new cases leads to a “paradigm shift” in priorities.
According to Agriculture Victoria, the viral disease can spread from property to property through the movement of people, poultry, clothing and equipment.
As farmers remain on alert, Mr Murray said that avian influenza might be his “least favourite thing in the world.”
“My life is good when I’m not thinking about Avian Influenza and it’s bad when I am.”
Bird owners are required to watch for signs of bird flu in their flocks and must legally report known or suspected cases to the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226 or the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
Further details on the confirmed cases of Avian Influenza, signs in birds, and restricted and control areas are available on the Agriculture Victoria website.
Details: agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/avian-influenza-bird-flu
Oscar Parry
