Avian influenza has been detected at a fourth poultry farm at Euroa in Victoria’s north east.
The new detection of H7N8 bird flu is linked to the ongoing outbreak at Kinross Farms, a major egg producer that supplies supermarkets.
The development comes as egg supplies struggle to meet demand after Australia’s largest-ever avian influenza outbreak in 2024.
Kinross Farms managing director Philip Szepe said the free-range farm has 90,000 birds that will be killed to control the spread of the disease at the company’s final egg-laying property in the region.
“As we have seen, it is not unusual for an avian influenza outbreak to spread to neighbouring properties within the restricted zone,” Mr Szepe said.
“Now that all our laying farms in the Euroa area have been or are being depopulated, we have a clear path forward for recovery, and a plan for the process required to return our farms to productivity.
Four Kinross Farms properties are now under quarantine. (ABC Shepparton: Callum Marshall)
“We have seen from last year’s response to an avian influenza outbreak that farms can manage the decontamination and sanitation process successfully and bring hens back to their farms safely following strict recovery guidelines.”
All birds on any property where high pathogenic bird flu is detected in Australia must be killed under a federally agreed biosecurity plan.
Growing outbreak
The new detection brings the total number of birds to be culled in this outbreak to about 600,000.
“Kinross Farms has been producing eggs for Australians for more than 50 years and we thank our customers for their support as we continue to process eggs at our other sites across Victoria,” Mr Szepe said.
“We thank all of our teams at Kinross Farms for their commitment and dedication to the tasks in this evolving situation.
“We also thank the continued support from our suppliers and contract producers who have been part of the company-wide response to the outbreak.”
More than 100 Agriculture Victoria staff are currently on the ground to contain the outbreak. (ABC Shepparton: Callum Marshall)
Victoria’s acting chief veterinary officer Cameron Bell said given the proximity of the properties work was already underway to contain and eradicate the virus.
“We’ve got over 100 people involved, a lot of activity on the ground and working really closely with the business owner, broader industry and the local community which is supporting surveillance and early reporting,” Dr Bell said.
“If you are in the control or restricted areas, you cannot move birds, products or equipment into, out of, or within the area without permit.
“This includes selling or giving away eggs from your poultry. These must not leave your property.”
The average Australian eats 263 eggs a year. (ABC Great Southern: Sophie Johnson)
The zones include a restricted area covering a 5-kilometre radius around the farms, with a broader control area spanning the Strathbogie Shire east of the Goulburn Valley Freeway, and including the townships of Euroa, Violet Town, Longwood, Ruffy, Avenel and Strathbogie.
A housing requirement remains in place for properties with 50 or more birds in the restricted area around Euroa, which extends approximately 5km from the affected properties in all directions.
To reduce the risk of further disease spread, birds on these properties must be kept in cages or sheds to avoid contact with other birds.
Community members must report any suspected disease and sudden poultry death by calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
