Duck hunting has been prohibited in an area of northern Victoria where restrictions are in place due to an outbreak of the H7 strain of bird flu.
The destructive disease has been detected at four properties belonging to Kinross Farms in Euroa.
More than 600,000 birds have been culled and there are strict bans on the movement of birds, eggs and poultry products into and outside the designated zone.
Testing by the CSIRO found the high pathogenicity H7N8 stain of avian influenza at a farm near Euroa. (ABC News: Richard Mockler)
Those rules now include restrictions on Victoria’s duck hunting season, which gets underway on Wednesday and runs until June 9.
“The movement of game birds and any equipment associated with game bird hunting into or out of the restricted and control areas is prohibited unless under movement permit,” acting chief vet Cameron Bell said.
“The prohibition of recreational game bird hunting in these areas is certainly an important step to help prevent the further spread of H7 avian influenza.”
Agriculture Victoria staff are currently on the ground to contain the outbreak. (ABC Shepparton: Callum Marshall)
The bird flu virus is spread by wild birds, which Dr Bell said was one consideration in setting up the hunting restriction.
“We do know that, in general, the avian influenza virus can be shed from wild birds — including carcasses — and then be transported on … hunting equipment, clothing, and vehicles,” he said.
“It does pose a threat to all bird populations in terms of that potential spread.”
Agriculture Victoria’s controlled and restricted areas around the outbreak of bird flu in Euroa. (Agriculture Victoria)
Shooters who live in the restricted and controlled areas and hunt elsewhere will not be able to bring carcasses or equipment back into the ban zone without a movement permit.
Dr Bell said permits would be administered on a case-by-case basis.
“These movement restrictions are really crucial for helping manage the response,” he said.
The maximum fine for breaches of the rule is $355,662 or 36 months in prison.
Cameron Bell says given the close proximity of the affected properties, the new detection is not unexpected. (ABC News)
Hunters concerned
Greater Shepparton councillor Steven Threlfall has hunted all his life and is a life member of the Shepparton branch of Field and Game.
He said with debate circling about proposals to ban duck hunting altogether, he was concerned the rule may lead to something more.
Mr Threlfall said he felt the restrictions were a “practice run for anything a bit nastier than this” and he did not want it to “lead to a blanket ban” on duck hunting.
“I understand what they’re doing but I don’t want it to set a precedent,” he said.
Steven Threlfall (left) says he does not want the restrictions to set a precedent. (Supplied Steven Threlfall)
Mr Threlfall said hunters out in the wetlands were always on the look-out for sick, injured or diseased birds.
“It’s a recreational thing but we take ownership a lot of the time,” he said.
“So, we’re one of the first probably to pop up and say, ‘Look we’ve got some sick birds on the waterway, we’ve got some unusual activity … with water birds’.
“We’re probably the best eyes and ears in the bush because that’s where we spend most of our recreational time.”
