FURTHER changes have been made to control orders surrounding avian influenza cases in Victoria, given that no new cases have been detected since June 24, 2024.

From Thursday, September 12, 2024:

•            the restricted areas around Meredith and Terang have been removed and replaced with control areas

•            the newly designated control areas are the same size as the former restricted areas

•            the housing requirement in the newly designated control areas has been lifted, meaning birds no longer need to remain inside enclosures.

Permits for moving birds, poultry products, and equipment are still required for premises within control areas.

Permits are not required for vehicles transporting poultry feed in the control areas as long as they meet biosecurity requirements.

Victoria’s chief veterinary officer, Graeme Cooke emphasised the continued importance of cooperating to manage the outbreak.

“Our efforts to monitor disease continue, with staff visiting properties and testing birds in the control areas,” he said.

“As we continue to carry out ‘proof of freedom’ testing, we’re confident that this testing will not find any positive cases of high pathogenicity avian influenza, proving to the world that our flocks are safe.

“The collective actions of impacted property owners have been critical in enabling this easing of restrictions.

“We thank the poultry industry and property owners for their ongoing support and cooperation during this outbreak.”

Poultry farmers, backyard flock and bird owners are urged to continue to be vigilant and report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the VicEmergency Hotline.

A list of resources and contact details for industry and individual support, including technical, financial and mental health information, support and services, is available in Agriculture Victoria’s resource directory.

More information, including movement permits, maps, and compensation details are available online at agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza.

Agriculture Victoria continues to reach out to local communities at Avian Flu pop-up information stalls.

•            Sunday, September 29: Colour Terang Festival: 9.30am-3pm

•            Saturday, October 5: Golden Plains Farmers’ Market: 8.30am-12.30pm

• Saturday, October 5: Terang Local Market: 9am-1pm.