National Management Group Communiqué
High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) – 7 June 2024
Government and industry are continuing work to respond to the High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) H7 outbreaks in Victoria.
This response is being conducted by the Victorian Government in accordance with nationally agreed biosecurity response plans and procedures. More information on eradication activities and movement controls can be accessed via https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/avian-influenza-bird-flu.
Due to changing operational requirements, the National Management Group (NMG) met on 7 June 2024 and agreed to a revised Response Plan for the H7 HPAI eradication program under the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement. In agreeing to the revised Response Plan the NMG approved an increase of the Upper Limit on Expenditure from $22.5 million to $37.8 million to fund response activities.
There are no food safety issues identified; poultry meat and eggs remain safe to eat provided they are handled and cooked as per food safety standards.
In Australia there is a very low risk of people becoming infected with avian influenza viruses through normal contact with healthy birds. People should avoid direct contact with birds or mammals that are sick or have died unexpectedly and use good hygiene measures for handling and disposing of dead birds or mammals.
If you notice any sick or dead birds, this includes all domestic poultry or wild birds, contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. You can find out more about how we respond to animal disease incidents at outbreak.gov.au.