Bird flu cases rise as authorities quell food safety concerns

Avian flu has been detected at a sixth Victorian commercial farm as authorities try to quell food safety concerns over the outbreak.

A duck farm inside the restricted zone in the Shire of Golden Plains, west of Melbourne, is the latest to find the fatal virus among its flock.

There are five locations in Meredith and Lethbridge and another in Corangamite County, where the disease was discovered.

“All properties have been quarantined and all poultry will be safely destroyed. The sites will be cleaned and cleared of infection,” Agriculture Victoria said in its latest update.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand has stepped in to reassure shoppers that it is safe to continue eating chicken, eggs and egg products.

According to authorities, there is no evidence to show that the virus can be transmitted to humans through properly prepared food.

“Farms affected by bird flu have been quarantined and the movement of animals and produce restricted,” chief executive Sandra Cuthbert said.

“Flocks of birds affected by bird flu are being culled as part of the emergency response to contain the disease, as it is highly contagious in poultry. This approach is intended to limit the spread of disease among birds, not to manage food safety.

“In order to sell animal products as food, animals must not be a source of food safety concerns. All retail products must meet strict manufacturing requirements for food safety.’

All bird owners are urged to report any unexplained bird deaths to the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226.