Bird flu restrictions ease

RESTRICTIONS on poultry owners near the H7N8 avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak near Euroa have been reduced, following no new detections since 24 February 2025. In a statement on Monday, 31 March, AgVic said the current control area was now reduced to about 40km from east to west and 30km from north to south and still included Euroa and Longwood. Mandatory movement controls are no longer in place for Violet Town, Ruffy, Avenel, and Strathbogie, as well as for game bird hunters and hunting activities in those areas. The housing requirement for premises with 50 or more birds in the former restricted area is now also lifted, with the voluntary housing of birds still encouraged. The changes come after no further disease had been detected by the intensive surveillance activities that have been undertaken since Monday, 24 February. AgVic said good progress had been made on the cleaning and decontamination of affected properties and that restrictions will be kept under review as authorities continue to monitor for disease, execute decontamination, and eradicate the outbreak. Victoria’s acting chief veterinary officer Cameron Bell commended industry and the community for their cooperation to date. “This easing of restrictions is thanks to the cooperation and hard work that industry, community, and the impacted property owners have contributed since the first detection in early February,” Dr Bell said. “Our staff remain on the ground, working to clean and decontaminate affected properties, and we appreciate (the) ongoing support as this continues.” Restrictions remain on the movement of birds, poultry products (including eggs and manure), equipment, and vehicles on or off properties in the new control and restricted areas. Game bird hunting is also not permitted in the control and restricted areas. AgVic has about 110 staff deployed to the area each day, and over 9000 bird samples have been collected and tested since 8 February 2025. To prevent and eliminate biosecurity threats, every producer should have an up-to-date farm biosecurity plan and be able to recognise signs of diseases that could impact their animals. Poultry farmers and backyard flock and bird owners are urged to report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888, or to a local vet. More information on the restrictions is available at agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza or by calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226

Bird flu restrictions ease

Firefighting fleet grounded

GET FIRE READY

Juniors shine at Euroa Fire Brigade awards

CFA chief’s lifesaving push

CFA chief’s lifesaving push

Rufous Whistler – arrival of a summer songbird

Bombers go back-to-back in A grade

“No stone unturned” – Police committed to the long-haul in manhunt

Start your engines, Wilby Drags are back

Most popular stories