Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza H7N6 – 7 September 2020
A response Plan for Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H7N6) in Victoria was endorsed on 7 September 2020 by the National Management Group (NMG). The NMG comprises all Australian Governments, the Australian Chicken Meat Federation and Australian Eggs Ltd.
The detection of H7N6 was made in late August as a result of Agriculture Victoria’s Avian Influenza awareness campaign 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 to undertake response activities.
There are no food safety issues, cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat.
The recent outbreaks of Avian Influenza in Victoria are in no way related to the current Covid-19 pandemic or to Avian Influenza strains overseas that have gained attention.
If you notice a number of sick or dead birds, contact the Emergency Animal Disease Watch 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.