H7 high pathogenicity avian influenza

Avian influenza virus strains are described as low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) or high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI).

Australia remains free from H5 HPAI (H5 bird flu) which is a different strain to recent and current outbreaks of H7 bird flu.

Current strains of avian influenza do not appear to transmit easily between humans.

Eggs and chicken meat are safe to eat provided they are handled and cooked according to standard food handling practices.

Current situation

Agriculture Victoria has confirmed H7N8 HPAI on four commercial chicken egg farms in northern Victoria.

A restricted area of 5 km is in place around the infected properties, with a wider control area in place across Strathbogie Shire to the east of the Goulburn Valley Highway. This is to prevent movements that could spread the virus.

A housing order is in place in the 5km restricted area for producers with 50 or more birds. This means birds must be housed or enclosed in sheds or cages to separate them from wild birds.

Agriculture Victoria is conducting surveillance and testing in the restricted area to determine the disease spread.

Diagnostic testing has confirmed that the strain involved is different to the strains that impacted Victorian, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory poultry farms during 2024, which have been eradicated.

Further information about this new outbreak is available on Agriculture Victoria’s website.

Government actions

All infected premises are subject to quarantine, depopulation, disposal and decontamination in accordance with the AUSVETPLAN Response strategy for avian influenza. AUSVETPLAN also provides clear guidance on maintaining acceptable animal welfare standards during an emergency response.

Egg and chicken meat supply

The national layer flock was impacted by the 2024 outbreaks. The impacted farms in Victoria supply a small portion of the 18 million eggs produced every day from around 22 million chickens across Australia.

The egg industry reports that there has been a significant recovery from last years’ outbreaks, however, in some areas there are still gaps in the market. Consumers can expect that some retailers may retain purchasing limits. The egg industry, retailers and government are working together to make sure people right across the country continue to have access to eggs.

There has been no impact on the supply of chicken meat.

About avian influenza

Avian influenza virus strains are described as LPAI or HPAI.

Most LPAI strains of avian influenza virus cause minimal disease in wild birds and poultry. There are also strains of HPAI spreading globally causing widescale death of poultry and wild birds.

If poultry become infected, it can spread between birds or when contaminated poultry products, feed, equipment or other items are moved between sites. Avian influenza virus can survive for long periods in droppings, respiratory secretions, water, feathers, eggs and meat.

All bird species are considered vulnerable to avian influenza.

Signs of HPAI

Signs of HPAI usually appear in several or all birds in an infected flock, including:

• sudden death
• lethargy or reluctance to walk, eat or drink
• droopy appearance or ruffled feathers
• head or limb swelling
• bruising of the wattle, comb, feet or skin
• respiratory signs such as panting, nasal discharge or sneezing
• diarrhoea
• unusual head or neck posture, incoordination, inability to walk or stand
• unusual reduction in egg production.

Avian influenza can only be confirmed through laboratory testing of samples collected by a veterinarian or government animal health officer.

Testing and surveillance

It is not unusual for LPAI to be detected in wild birds in Australia. On rare occasions, a LPAI strain can spill over from the wild bird population into domestic poultry then mutate into HPAI strains. Previous outbreaks of HPAI in poultry in Australia were linked to the spillover of LPAI strains from wild birds.

Wild birds can carry LPAI viruses without showing signs of disease. Pre-emptive culling of wild birds is not an appropriate response to these incidents, as it is not known to have any impact on the spread of the disease.

Preventing avian influenza

You can help prevent the spread of avian influenza.

Report sightings

If you notice dead birds or other animals, you should not touch them. If there are multiple dead birds or other animals, take photos or a video, record your location and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Even if you’re not sure, call the hotline. Avian influenza is a notifiable animal disease. You must report a suspected outbreak.

Avian influenza is a notifiable animal disease. Avian influenza is a notifiable disease which means you must report a suspected outbreak.

How to protect your birds

If you own backyard poultry or other birds, these simple steps will help protect them from disease, noting that the virus is easily carried on clothing, equipment and vehicles.

1. Keep your equipment and poultry yard or aviary clean.
   • Remove litter, sand and grit from the aviary between batches of birds, and every few months for resident birds.
   • Thoroughly clean concrete floors, walls and aviary wire with soapy water, and then apply a disinfectant.
   • Clean and disinfect feed and water containers regularly.
   • Don't share equipment with other birdkeepers unless it has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
2. Avoid contact between your birds and wild birds.
   • Prevent contact with wild birds by restricting access to open ponds, lakes and creeks. Protective netting or keeping them housed can help prevent wild birds from mingling with yours.
   • Clean up surrounding areas to reduce shelter and hiding places for wild birds.
3. Don’t let feed and water become contaminated by faeces or other animal waste.
   • Ensure water supplied to birds is from a chlorinated mains water supply, a clean bore, or treated appropriately if these sources aren't available (also see the Water Biosecurity Manual).
   • Don't allow wild birds or pest animals to contaminate your birds' feed. Store it in a container with a secure lid.
4. Practice good hygiene when handling birds including at bird shows.
   • Always thoroughly wash your hands with soap before and after handling birds.
   • Clean your footwear and wash clothing regularly and avoid using the same clothing and footwear around your own birds if you have visited other flocks or events such as shows.
   • Do not take any birds to a show if there are signs of illness in your flock.
   • All bird equipment and permanent carrying containers should be cleaned and disinfected before and after a show.
   • At the show, avoid handling birds other than your own, if possible.
   • At home, show birds should always undergo a period of quarantine before returning to the flock.
   • Keep a register of all bird movements onto and off your properties.
5. Limit visitor access to your birds.
   • Restrict access to bird areas.
   • Ask visitors to wash their hands, practice good hygiene, put on clean protective clothing and use footbaths containing appropriate disinfectants at the entrance to bird areas or sheds.
   • Keep a record of visitors, including any movement between poultry farms
6. Quarantine new birds.
   • Separate and monitor new birds for at least 30 days before introducing them to your existing flock.
   • Always source birds from a reputable producer or breeder whose bird health status is known.
   • Always buy healthy birds and avoid buying them from markets.
   • Feed and clean quarantined birds after you have tended to other birds.
7. Know the signs of bird flu.
   Signs of bird flu usually appear in several or all birds in a flock, including:
   • sudden death
   • lethargy or reluctance to walk, eat or drink
   • droopy appearance or ruffled feathers
   • head or limb swelling
   • bruising of the wattle, comb, feet or skin
   • respiratory signs such as panting, nasal discharge or sneezing
   • diarrhoea
   • unusual head or neck posture, incoordination, inability to walk or stand
   • unusual reduction in egg production.
8. Immediately report any sick or dead birds.

For more information on biosecurity for your birds, you can refer to the following resources:

• Video on Exhibition Bird Biosecurity
• The National Biosecurity Manual – Exhibition Poultry
  • Club logbook
  • Logbook for individuals

These resources can be downloaded for free from farmbiosecurity.com.au. The site also has more detailed information on preventing disease in chickens, ducks and other species.