‘Must not leave your property’: Strict new rules as authorities race to contain outbreak
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Disease outbreaks in agriculture can have far-reaching consequences, affecting supply chains, local economies, and even public health.
A recent detection in Victoria has sparked renewed concerns, with authorities racing to contain the spread and prevent further disruption.
Here’s what we know so far about the situation unfolding in the state’s north.
Authorities confirmed a second case of bird flu at a property in Victoria’s north, just days after the highly pathogenic H7N8 strain was detected at another farm in the same town.
The discovery was expected, with urgent testing underway to assess the extent of the outbreak and identify other potential cases.
Testing confirmed the presence of H7N8 at the Euroa property, located approximately 164 km from Melbourne.
Officials stated that while the strain was the same as the one found in New South Wales and the ACT in 2023, this outbreak was separate.
It also differed from the strains that spread through farms in south-west Victoria in 2024, when 1.3 million birds were culled in Australia’s largest recorded outbreak.
Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Cameron Bell said authorities had prioritised testing at the site due to its known connections with other affected properties.
‘There are known connections between the properties which was how we identified high-priority testing sites early, even before disease was suspected,’ he said.
‘After we confirmed the first property last week, we implemented restricted and control areas immediately to mitigate risks of disease spread.’
Over the weekend, a poultry farm in Euroa was placed under quarantine as part of containment efforts.
Authorities established a control area east of the Goulburn Valley Freeway in Strathbogie Shire, including Euroa, Violet Town, Longwood, Ruffy, Avenel and Strathbogie.
Farmers and workers within controlled or restricted zones were prohibited from moving birds, eggs, manure, or equipment in and out of the area without a permit.
The sale and distribution of eggs from affected properties were also restricted, with officials stating that eggs ‘must not leave your property’.
Producers with more than 50 poultry in restricted areas, including Euroa, were required to house their birds to minimise further spread.
‘With Victoria’s experience responding to H7 bird flu outbreaks, we know the greatest risk is to larger producers who have more movement on and off their property,’ Bell said.
‘This H7 strain is different from the H5N1 bird flu strain spreading in other areas of the world and impacting wildlife.’
Supermarket chain Coles confirmed it would maintain its egg purchase limits indefinitely due to ongoing supply concerns.
Officials urged poultry and bird owners across Victoria to remain vigilant as testing continued.
Experts are warning of potential egg shortages as authorities work to contain the outbreak and prevent further disruptions to supply chains.
Watch the video below for more details.
Stay informed on the latest bird flu developments—read more here.
With authorities working to contain the outbreak and restrictions in place? How do you think this will impact egg prices and supply in the coming weeks?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
A recent detection in Victoria has sparked renewed concerns, with authorities racing to contain the spread and prevent further disruption.
Here’s what we know so far about the situation unfolding in the state’s north.
Authorities confirmed a second case of bird flu at a property in Victoria’s north, just days after the highly pathogenic H7N8 strain was detected at another farm in the same town.
The discovery was expected, with urgent testing underway to assess the extent of the outbreak and identify other potential cases.
Testing confirmed the presence of H7N8 at the Euroa property, located approximately 164 km from Melbourne.
Officials stated that while the strain was the same as the one found in New South Wales and the ACT in 2023, this outbreak was separate.
It also differed from the strains that spread through farms in south-west Victoria in 2024, when 1.3 million birds were culled in Australia’s largest recorded outbreak.
Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Cameron Bell said authorities had prioritised testing at the site due to its known connections with other affected properties.
‘There are known connections between the properties which was how we identified high-priority testing sites early, even before disease was suspected,’ he said.
‘After we confirmed the first property last week, we implemented restricted and control areas immediately to mitigate risks of disease spread.’
Over the weekend, a poultry farm in Euroa was placed under quarantine as part of containment efforts.
Authorities established a control area east of the Goulburn Valley Freeway in Strathbogie Shire, including Euroa, Violet Town, Longwood, Ruffy, Avenel and Strathbogie.
Farmers and workers within controlled or restricted zones were prohibited from moving birds, eggs, manure, or equipment in and out of the area without a permit.
The sale and distribution of eggs from affected properties were also restricted, with officials stating that eggs ‘must not leave your property’.
Producers with more than 50 poultry in restricted areas, including Euroa, were required to house their birds to minimise further spread.
‘With Victoria’s experience responding to H7 bird flu outbreaks, we know the greatest risk is to larger producers who have more movement on and off their property,’ Bell said.
‘This H7 strain is different from the H5N1 bird flu strain spreading in other areas of the world and impacting wildlife.’
Supermarket chain Coles confirmed it would maintain its egg purchase limits indefinitely due to ongoing supply concerns.
Officials urged poultry and bird owners across Victoria to remain vigilant as testing continued.
Experts are warning of potential egg shortages as authorities work to contain the outbreak and prevent further disruptions to supply chains.
Watch the video below for more details.
Stay informed on the latest bird flu developments—read more here.
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With authorities working to contain the outbreak and restrictions in place? How do you think this will impact egg prices and supply in the coming weeks?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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