Avian Influenza (bird flu)

Please be aware that Agriculture Victoria has updated their website due to poultry deaths at an egg farm near Meredith.

Current situation – 22 May 2024

We are investigating poultry deaths at an egg farm near Meredith.

Preliminary tests have confirmed the presence of avian influenza. Samples have been delivered to the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness at Geelong for further tests which will determine the strain 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.

Every producer should have an on-farm biosecurity plan and know the signs of diseases that could affect their animals.

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.

While cases among humans in direct contact with animals infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses are possible, the current risk to the public remains low. Find out more about avian influenza in humans from the BetterHealth Channel.