Gamebird hunting not permitted in Avian Influenza control zone

Agriculture Victoria is responding to the detection of H7N8 avian influenza at four Victorian poultry farms in the Euroa area. A Control Order for the H7N8 avian influenza response has been put in place.

Game bird hunting is not permitted in the H7 avian influenza control and restricted areas, and game birds harvested elsewhere must not be moved into or out of the area. This includes duck, Stubble Quail and non-indigenous game birds.

Hunters passing through the control and restricted areas with harvested ducks, Stubble Quail or non-indigenous gamebirds or hunting equipment, must not stop for any reason.

Gamebird hunters must not:

• Hunt in the avian influenza restricted and control areas – even on your own property

• Stop anywhere in the restricted and control areas with harvested game birds or hunting equipment in your car

• Move harvested game birds and any equipment associated with game bird hunting into or out of the restricted and control areas, unless under a movement permit.

Gamebird hunters can:

• Drive through avian influenza restricted and control areas with harvested game birds or hunting equipment in your car, without stopping

• Hunt in areas outside of the avian influenza restricted and control areas.

Check the Agriculture Victoria website for further information and maps of the control zone, at agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza

DEECA’s More to Explore app shows where it is legal to hunt in Victoria. The More to Explore app has been updated to reflect that hunting is not permitted in the avian influenza control zone.

This is not the H5N1 strain that is impacting wildlife and livestock in other parts of the world.

It is important for all community members to play their part to help eradicate H7 avian influenza in Victoria.