Victoria : Credit Wikipedia
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Australia's largest ever avian flu outbreak (in this case, H7) continues with a 6th farm affected (5 with H7N3, 1 with H7N9), which has reportedly caused the loss of > 800,000 birds since late May.
While H7N3 isn't considered as serious of a public health threat as H5N1, H7 human infections have occurred in the past. With the notable exception of H7N9 in China, most have been mild.
Although Australia/NZ/Oceania remain free from HPAI H5N1, like everywhere else in the world, LPAI viruses circulate in local birds. Most are considered harmless to poultry and humans, but when an H5 or H7 LPAI virus spreads among poultry, it can sometimes spontaneously mutate into an HPAI strain. 
This mutated virus can then be inadvertently spread by moving birds, eggs, feed, equipment or personnel between farms - and less commonly - by local or migratory birds which may pick it up and carry it some distance.
It isn't clear at this time how the H7N3 virus is spreading among farms in Australia. Today's announcement from Agriculture Victoria follows:
Avian influenza detected at sixth property
13 June 2024
Avian influenza virus has been confirmed at a sixth Victorian farm, which was already in quarantine.
Tests have confirmed the high pathogenicity H7N3 strain at a commercial duck farm which is located within the current Restricted Area in the Golden Plains Shire, where movement restrictions are already in place.
All ducks at the property will be humanely disposed of under veterinary supervision, consistent with national policies and the site will be cleaned and cleared of the infection.
The duck farm produces commercial eggs and meat. Consumers should not be concerned about eggs and duck meat products. 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.
Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Graeme Cooke said this detection is not unexpected given the proximity of this property to an existing Infected Premises (IPs).
'We have established Restricted and Control Areas in proximity to existing IPs which has assisted us in limiting the spread and quickly detecting the sixth IP through comprehensive surveillance activities,” Dr Cooke 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.’
Existing movement controls remain in place in designated areas near Terang, Meredith and Lethbridge. This includes:Within the Restricted and Control areas, permits are required for the movement of birds, poultry products, feed and equipment on or off properties.
- a Restricted Area that covers the impacted Meredith and Lethbridge properties and a Control Area buffer zone, which is bound by Bacchus Marsh Road in the east and the Colac–Ballarat Road on the western boundary.
- a Restricted Area covering a 5 km radius around the Terang farm with a broader Control Area buffer zone covering a 15 km radius.
- a housing requirement for all birds within these areas.
Poultry farmers, backyard flock and bird owners are urged to report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
More information, including movement permits, compensation details and mental health resources, are available online at agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza.
Media contact: SBOC.PublicInformation@agriculture.vic.gov.au
