Presence of avian influenza in Northern Victoria

Agriculture Victoria has confirmed the presence of avian influenza at a poultry property in northern Victoria, which has now been placed into quarantine.

Diagnostic testing performed by the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness at Geelong confirmed high pathogenicity H7N8. This is a different virus than the strains detected in Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory in 2024, which have been eradicated. This is not the H5N1 strain that is impacting other parts of the world.

A restricted area of roughly 5 km has been placed around the infected property within a wider control area in place across Strathbogie Shire to the east of the Goulburn Valley Highway, to prevent movements that could spread the virus.

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.

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

While cases among humans in direct contact with animals infected with high pathogenicity 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.

This information was last updated on 10 February 2025.

For further details and up-to-date information, please visit Agriculture Victoria’s website: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/avian-influenza-bird-flu