Outbreaks of H7 avian flu in 2024
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After a rough 2024 - with HPAI H7 outbreaks in 3 states (see map above) - Australia declared themselves free of the virus on February 3rd of this year.
Just five days later, a new outbreak was reported in Victoria (see Australia: Victoria Reports A New Outbreak of HPAI (H7N8)).
Today they are reporting a second - connected - poultry operation has tested positive.
Current situation
Last updated 13 February 2025
Agriculture Victoria has confirmed the presence of H7 avian influenza (bird flu) at 2 poultry properties in northern Victoria, which are in quarantine. Both infected properties are connected.
Diagnostic testing performed by CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness at Geelong confirmed high pathogenicity H7N8. This is a new outbreak and not related to the 2024 outbreaks in Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory which were successfully eradicated.
This is not the H5N1 bird flu strain that is impacting other parts of the world.
A restricted area of roughly 5 km is in place around the infected properties within a wider control area in place across Strathbogie Shire to the east of the Goulburn Valley Highway, to prevent movements that could spread the virus.
Townships impacted include Euroa, Violet Town, Longwood, Ruffy, Avenel and Strathbogie. Restrictions are in place for the control and restricted areas, including a housing requirement for producers with more than 50 poultry in the restricted area.
Any suspicion of an emergency animal disease (EAD) should be immediately reported to the 24-hour EAD Hotline on 1800 675 888 or to your local vet.
Agriculture Victoria’s response is well underway, working closely and cooperatively with property owners. The first infected property has completed humane destruction for poultry on site, and operations will progress at the new property in the coming days.
While cases among humans in direct contact with animals infected with high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses are possible, the current risk to the public remains low. Find out more about avian influenza in humans from the BetterHealth Channel.
While HPAI H7 viruses are not generally viewed as being as serious as HPAI H5, the 5-year epidemic of H7N9 in China during the last decade - and the 2003 outbreak of H7N7 in the Netherlands - reminds us that HPAI H7 should not be underestimated.