Type |
Status |
Location |
Last Updated |
Community Update - Env
- Stay Informed
|
Unknown
|
Terang
|
172738987400027/09/2024
|
This
message is being issued for
Terang and surrounds.
- This Community Information replaces the Community Information issued on 12 September 2024 at 8:04am.
-
An
outbreak of high pathogenicity H7N9 avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed
in poultry at Terang in May.
- This
warning remains 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 area 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, birds on infected properties 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 areas 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.