Bird flu’s been confirmed at another local farm.
The commercial duck farm’s already in the current restricted area in the Golden Plains Shire, with the H-7-N-3 strain detected.
It’s the sixth property in the state to have the virus detected, and the fifth in the region.
But with it comes a message that do not need to avoid eggs or duck meat products.
“Consumers should not be concerned about eggs and duck meat products,” a statement from Agriculture Victoria says.
“They do not pose a risk and are safe to consume. Victoria has a secure supply chain including the importation of eggs from interstate so the current outbreak has not significantly affected supplies.”
The state’s chief vet Graeme Cooke says with the virus in a number of local properties, this detction was not unexpected.
“We have established Restricted and Control Areas in proximity to existing IPs (infected properties) which has assisted us in limiting the spread and quickly detecting the sixth IP through comprehensive surveillance activities,” he said.
“Agriculture Victoria is working with affected producers and the wider industry to maintain business continuity while minimising risk of disease spread.
“It’s a difficult time for our farmers and we’re making sure mental health support is available and eligible producers can access compensation.”
Agriculture Victoria confirmed that ducks would be humanely disposed of with supervision of vets.
