Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza – 14 August 2020
A response plan for Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N2) in Victoria was endorsed on 14 August 2020 by the National Management Group (NMG). The NMG comprises all Australian governments and the Australian Chicken Meat Federation and Australian Eggs Ltd.
The detection of H5N2 was made in early August as part of Agriculture Victoria’s surveillance activities relating to an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H7N7) within the Golden Plains Shire.
Agriculture Victoria is responding to the detection and is working with property owners and industry to undertake response activities.
There are no food safety issues, cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat.
Avian Influenza virus is not a risk to the public as it rarely affects humans unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds.
The recent outbreaks of Avian Influenza are in no way related to the current Covid-19 pandemic or avian influenza strains overseas that have gained attention.
If you notice a number of sick or dead birds, contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. If you discover large numbers of sick or dead wild birds, you also need to report this to the hotline so it can be investigated.