Second Victorian site reports bird flu outbreak

Bird flu has been detected at a second property in northern Victoria, just days after the highly contagious H7N8 strain was found at a nearby farm in Euroa.

Authorities say this latest case wasn’t unexpected, and they’re ramping up urgent testing to track down any further outbreaks. The confirmed strain is the same one detected in New South Wales and the ACT last year, but officials have made it clear this is a separate outbreak. It’s also different from the strains that swept through farms in Victoria’s south-west in 2024, in what became Australia's worst bird flu crisis—wiping out 1.3 million birds.

Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Cameron Bell explained that the second property was already on their radar as a high-priority site.

“There are known connections between the properties, which helped us identify high-risk areas for early testing, even before we suspected disease,” he said.

As a precaution, strict movement restrictions are now in place. The controlled area covers towns including Euroa, Violet Town, Longwood, Ruffy, Avenel, and Strathbogie. Farmers and workers in these zones can’t move birds, eggs, manure, or equipment without a permit—even selling or giving away eggs is off-limits.

Producers with more than 50 poultry in restricted areas must now house their birds to limit exposure. Bell reassured the public that while this strain is serious, it’s not the same as the H5N1 bird flu strain currently spreading overseas and affecting wildlife.

Meanwhile, supermarkets are keeping egg purchase limits in place, with Coles confirming they’ll remain for the foreseeable future.

Authorities are urging poultry and bird owners across the state to stay vigilant and report any signs of illness immediately.