Australia: avian influenza outbreak over in Victoria

The avian influenza outbreak in Euroa, Victoria, is over. The outbreak began in February and affected four commercial poultry properties. However, no new cases have been detected in the area for several months. Victoria agricultural authorities said disease eradication measures had been successful and lifted quarantine restrictions from the infected properties and movement restrictions around Euroa. Acting chief veterinary officer Sally Salmon said the disease was eradicated thanks to the hard work of the poultry industry, local bird owners, and the wider community. Early reporting allowed quick action to curb the outbreak and achieve its elimination. Dr Salmon added that over 300 properties were visited, and over 20,000 tests were performed as part of the surveillance and containment campaign.