Type Status Location Last Updated
Community Update - Env - Stay Informed Unknown Meredith and surrounds 27/09/2024
This message is being issued for Meredith and surrounds.
  • This Community Information replaces the Community Information issued on 12 September 2024 at 8:04am.
  • An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected at Meredith and Lethbridge in May.
  • This warning is relevant for all bird owners including poultry producers, bird keepers and pet bird owners.
  • The restricted areas around Meredith and Terang have been removed and replaced with control areas. The size of the control areas have been reduced to match the former restricted areas. 
  • Bird owners who reside in the restricted areas no longer need to house all their poultry in cages or sheds. 
  • No further cases of avian influenza have been detected in Victoria since 24 June 2024.
Things you should know about avian influenza:  
  • Avian influenza is a highly contagious disease that infects chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, quail, pheasants and ostriches. Many species of wild birds, including waterfowl and seabirds can also carry the virus. 
  • Movement controls remain in place and infected properties have been quarantined. These controls prohibit the movement of birds, equipment and products within and out of the control area until further notice. You can find more information about movement controls and quarantine here: agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianflu.        
  • To stop the spread of avian influenza, infected birds were humanely disposed of. 
  • Properly cooked chicken meat and eggs are safe to eat. 
  • 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.
All bird owners should regularly check their birds. If you suspect your birds are sick you should contact your local vet or call the VicEmergency Hotline 1800 226 226.
What you should do:
If you own birds:
  • Do not move your birds, eggs or equipment into, within or out of the control area without a permit.
  • Bird owners should regularly check their birds and immediately report any unusual signs of disease to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226 (free call). 
  • Check the Agriculture Victoria website or phone 1800 226 226 for details on movement controls. 
To help prevent the spread of disease to your birds you should:  
  • Restrict contact between pet birds, poultry and wild birds.  
  • Prevent contamination of food and water by faeces or other animal waste.
  • Keep equipment, yards and aviaries clean.  
  • Limit visitors to your birds.
  • Bird owners should wash their hands before and after handling birds.
Check for signs of disease:  
Signs of the disease in birds may include: 
  • Sudden death.  
  • Birds with difficulties breathing, such as coughing, sneezing, or rasping. 
  • Swelling and purple discolouration of the head, comb, wattles and neck.
  • Rapid drop in eating, drinking and egg production.
  • Ruffled feathers, dopiness, closed eyes.
  • Diarrhoea.
  • Occasionally, nervous symptoms. 
How avian influenza spreads:
  • Avian influenza can be spread to other animals by movement of eggs, birds, people handling birds, vehicles and equipment between farms, and by clothing, footwear, aerosols, water, feed, litter, wild birds, biting insects and vermin.
Protecting your health:  
  • You can’t contract avian influenza by eating cooked chicken meat or cooked eggs.
  • Avian influenza does not usually infect people, but in rare cases, human infection can occur.
This message was issued by Agriculture Victoria.

The next update is expected by 11/10/2024 06:00 pm or as the situation changes.

Use multiple sources to stay informed: 
Accessibility: 
The following services can help you, or someone you know, access information during an emergency. 
  • To access this information in other languages call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to call VicEmergency Hotline.   
  • If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech/communication impairment contact National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask them to call the VicEmergency Hotline.