Golden Plains poultry owners have housing period extended

Golden Plains poultry owners will be required to continue to house their birds for an additional 21 days in response to the avian influenza outbreaks.

The extension to the housing order begins on 6 September and legally requires all poultry owners - even those with just two or three chickens or birds - to keep their birds housed until 26 September.

Victoria's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said the new extension to the order applies to both large- and small-scale commercial operators within the control area. Backyard flock owners must also take all practical measures to reduce contact between wild birds and their domestic poultry.

The initial housing order began on 7 August and was originally proposed to be in place for 30 days but was always subject to a review.

"Extending the housing order is a necessary measure to help limit the spread to other farms and minimise the impact on Victoria's poultry industry. We'll continue to constantly be reviewing this to ensure it's appropriate," Dr Cooke said.

These controls prohibit the movement of poultry, birds, related equipment and products within and out of the designated Control Area of Golden Plains Shire unless a permit has been granted by Agriculture Victoria.

"This means all poultry and equipment, including hens, chickens, eggs and manure cannot be sold (including online) or given away at farm-gate, on property or taken to any markets. We thank everyone for their ongoing cooperation with this," Dr Cooke said.

EARLIER:

Avian influenza has been confirmed at a fourth poultry farm in the Golden Plains Shire, which has been placed under quarantine.

The egg farm, which has about 37,000 birds on-site, will be "depopulated" and decontaminated by Agriculture Victoria specialists after the H7N7 strain was detected.

Victoria's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Graeme Cooke said in a statement Agriculture Victoria was acting swiftly to contain the outbreaks, and noted the agency has been undertaking regular surveillance at the property.

"Avian influenza viruses occur naturally among wild birds and can be difficult to detect as they may not show signs but can cause infections in our domestic bird populations," Dr Cooke said.

These two detections bring the total number of affected farms to six since the first farm detection on July 31.

The public is encouraged to report sick or dead birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888. The H7N7, H7N6 and H5N2 types of the virus are not a risk to the public as it rarely affects humans, unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds. Properly cooked poultry products are safe to eat.

Controls on bird movement will also be in place.

For more information visit the website or phone 4334 2715.