Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H7N7 – 7 September 2020
Government and industry are continuing work to respond to the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H7N7) outbreak in Victoria
Humane destruction and disposal of all birds from the infected premises has been completed, and cleaning and disinfection activities well underway.
This response is being conducted by the Victorian Government in accordance with nationally agreed biosecurity response plans and procedures.
The National Management Group met on 7 September 2020 and agreed to continue national cost sharing arrangements for the H7N7 eradication program under the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement.
There are no food safety issues identified; properly cooked chicken meat and eggs remain safe to eat.
This is not the highly pathogenic influenza H5N1 strain that has gained worldwide attention — nor is it closely related to that strain. It is in no way related to the current Covid-19 pandemic.
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.