We cherish our local produce and the hardworking farmers who provide us with fresh, quality food.

However, the recent outbreak has cast a shadow over the poultry industry, where the virus has now been detected at a third property.

The detection of the virus at another site has raised questions about its impact on production and what it could mean for consumers.


The outbreak, which includes a newly detected case in Euroa, Victoria, follows the detection of the same strain at two other Kinross Farms properties last week and has led to the culling of approximately 500,000 birds across all three sites.

While distressing, this drastic measure is necessary to contain the spread of the highly pathogenic virus and protect both the industry and public health.


Victoria's acting Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Cameron Bell, has indicated that the proximity of the infected farms and their known connections have made the new detection somewhat expected.

'It is possible we could have other positive or infected properties,' he said.

Despite the grim situation, Dr Bell sees a silver lining: the outbreak is confined to a small area currently under intense surveillance.


The response from Kinross Farms has been proactive, with managing director Philip Szepe expressing gratitude towards Agriculture Victoria for their efforts in managing the outbreak.

'We thank Agriculture Victoria for its ongoing efforts on the affected sites and at our other sites where we continue to manage egg production and supply to customers while maintaining strict biosecurity protocols.' he said.

The company has been monitoring their farms since the outbreak's onset, ensuring that egg production and customer supply continue with strict biosecurity protocols in place.

The current outbreak, while serious, is reportedly smaller in scale compared to the 2024 incident in Victoria.

Containment activities are underway, and Agriculture Victoria is urging the public to report any unexplained poultry deaths or suspected disease.

A 5-kilometre exclusion zone has been established around the infected farms, along with a control area in the Strathbogie Shire, to prevent further spread of the virus.

While the immediate risk to humans from avian influenza is low, the virus can occasionally infect people, usually those with close contact with infected birds.

Maintaining good hygiene practices when handling poultry and eggs is crucial, such as washing hands thoroughly and cooking poultry products to the appropriate temperature to kill any potential viruses.

The bird flu outbreak is a stark reminder of the fragility of our food systems and the importance of robust biosecurity measures.

As consumers, we can support our local farmers by continuing to buy their products, knowing that safety protocols are in place to protect our health.


We at the Seniors Discount Club encourage our members to stay updated on the situation and follow any guidance health authorities provide.

If you have any concerns about the poultry products in your area, don't hesitate to reach out to local suppliers for reassurance about the safety measures they're implementing.

Just last year, a child in Victoria became the first confirmed case of bird flu in Australia after contracting an H5N1 infection in India.

Health officials stressed that human cases of avian influenza are rare, with no evidence of H5N1 spreading between people. You can read more about it here.


Have you been affected by the bird flu outbreak in your community? How are you ensuring the safety of your groceries? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let's navigate these challenging times together.