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.