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Thursday 27 February 2025
Avian influenza detected at fourth Euroa property
Agriculture Victoria has confirmed H7N8 high pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) on a fourth poultry farm in Euroa. This new detection is within the 5km restricted area and in close proximity to the 3 other infected properties, the latest of which was detected on 20 February.
Victoria’s Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Cameron Bell said given the proximity of the properties, this new detection is not unexpected and that Agriculture Victoria staff are on the ground working closely with industry to contain and eradicate the virus.
‘This detection is the result of comprehensive and ongoing surveillance activities by Agriculture Victoria staff within restricted and control areas,’ Dr Bell said.
Control orders have been in place since H7 was first detected on a poultry farm on 8 February.
Control orders restrict the movement of poultry, poultry products, equipment, and vehicles on or off properties in designated zones around the infected properties to prevent disease spread.
These zones include a restricted area covering a 5-kilometre radius around the farms, with a broader control area spanning the Strathbogie Shire east of the Goulburn Valley Freeway, and including the townships of Euroa, Violet Town, Longwood, Ruffy, Avenel and Strathbogie.
‘If you are in the control or restricted areas, you cannot move birds (including game birds), products (including eggs and manure) or equipment into, out of, or within the area without a permit.
‘This includes selling or giving away eggs from your poultry – these must not leave your property,’ Dr Bell said.
A housing requirement remains in place for properties with 50 or more birds in the restricted area. This includes Euroa and extends approximately 5 kilometres from the affected properties in all directions.
To reduce the risk of further disease spread, birds on these properties must be kept in cages or sheds to avoid contact with other birds.
Bird owners are reminded to keep sheds, yards, aviaries and equipment clean, and to restrict contact with wild birds. They should ensure their footwear is clean and wash hands before and after handling birds or eggs. New birds should be quarantined before being integrated with existing ones.
‘A strong biosecurity system relies on everyone playing their part.
‘Avian influenza is a notifiable disease, which means you must tell us if you know of or suspect the presence of avian influenza in any birds without delay. Your cooperation is crucial to getting on top of this outbreak,’ Dr Bell said.
Community members must report any suspected disease and sudden poultry death by calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
‘We thank the impacted properties for their cooperation and would like to reassure Victorians that supermarket eggs and poultry products remain safe to consume.’
For more information, including checking whether you are in the restricted area or control area, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza
Alligator weed is banned in Victoria
Looking a lot like some leafy green vegetables, alligator weed is banned in Victoria.
Alligator weed an aggressive plant that can devastate land and water environments.
It is a State Prohibited Weed and should not be transported, sold or grown anywhere in Victoria.
Spot and report this weed – free removal available in Victoria.
What to do – If you think you’ve seen this weed, contact Agriculture Victoria:
Call 136 186
Use a netting fence to protect from dam pollution
Constructing a netting fence above your dam can reduce the amount of organic material entering during and after a storm.
Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer Clem Sturmfels said while thunderstorms can produce needed run-off, they can also result in large amounts of dry grass, manure, soil and other material being swept into your dam.
‘If left unattended, these materials will sink to the bottom and decompose, impacting water quality.
‘Netting fence sediment traps are quick and easy to erect and can be made using second-hand materials.
‘Netting fences slow the speed of water and trap large organic materials. As the water slows, heavier sediments drop to the bottom while the organic materials trapped on the fence act as a filter for finer materials,’ he said.
‘To be most effective, the netting fence needs to be well supported with steel posts and follow the contour of the land.
‘By making the base of the fence follow a level path, the water can spread out in both directions along the fence. The longer the fence, the more material that will get trapped. The ends of the fence need to be turned uphill to increase capture of materials.
‘Commercial geo-fabric silt fences are great for trapping finer materials, however they transmit water very slowly and are not recommended for concentrated flows of water.
‘Clean straw bales placed tightly together and pegged down with steel posts can also be used to create an effective sediment trap.
‘Alternatives include synthetic silt fences, sediment ponds or a simple diversion bank with drop boards to manage flows into your dam.
‘Regardless of design, all sediment traps should be regularly inspected, maintained and emptied following major storm events.’
Mr Sturmfels said sediment traps can only do so much to prevent dam pollution, and the best strategy is to ensure you maintain good ground cover and fence out all larger dams.
‘Stock access to water can be maintained using a hardened access ramp or by pumping to a tank and trough arrangement.’
For more information, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.
For more information about drought and dry seasonal conditions support visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186
Apply for an On-Farm Drought Infrastructure grant today
Eligible drought-affected farmers in the south west can now apply for up to $5,000 in co-contribution grants to support establishing on-farm infrastructure such as:
- 💧 water infrastructure upgrades (pipes, tanks, troughs, dams)
- 🐑 stock containment areas
- 🌾 grain and fodder storage.
For more information visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186
Small business bus in Pomonol and Ararat
Business Victoria’s Small Business Bus will be stopping at Pomonal and Ararat on Friday 28 February to assist small business owners.
Expert advisors will be on board to provide free and confidential one-on-one tailored guidance to help you start, build, or transform your small business.
Date: Friday 28 February
Pomonal Hall from 10am – 12:20 pm
Ararat Town Hall from 1.40pm – 3:40 pm.
Sessions are 20-minutes and are confidential and free of charge.
Expanded facility putting the heat on crop research
A world first facility researching the impact of extreme hot and cold weather on crops is expanding thanks to support from the Victorian Government.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the completion of the $1.18 million Free Air Temperature Extreme (FATE) facility expansion at the Horsham SmartFarm, doubling the size to cover about 2.5 hectares.
The FATE facility measures the impact of heat waves, drought and frost on cereal, pulse and oilseed crops, testing conditions on them at various stages to understand the impact on grain quality.
Episode 4: Alena Moison
Imagine having access to a free mapping system that lets you see at a farm level, what's happened in the past with things like climate, fire, and flood. And then, what might happen in the future.
Alena Moison from Digital Twin Victoria joins us for this episode to explain how this is unfolding across Victoria.
Putting Victoria’s pets at the paw-front
The Victorian Government is helping more Victorian families access cheaper veterinary care and giving more pets the chance to find their forever families.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence opened Round 12 of the Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program recently at Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) in Craigieburn, offering over $1.6 million in funding to eligible organisations.
Award win for Horsham researcher
A huge congratulations to one of our research scientist’s Dr Audrey Delahunty who has been presented the 2025 GRDC Emerging Leader – South award.
As a professional with less than 10 years in the industry, Audrey was awarded the 2025 GRDC Emerging Leader - South. She has already made significant contributions to the future of the industry and is seen as emerging as a leader in her field of endeavour.
What's On
Details about Agriculture Victoria events can now be found in one spot at agriculture.vic.gov.au/events.
Weathering the Dry – A farmers’ gathering in Derrinallum
Date: Tuesday 4 March
Time: 6 – 9:30 pm
Location: Mount Elephant Hotel, 1 Main Street, Derrinallum.
The workshop will focus on social connection, stock water management, feed budgeting, financial planning and action-oriented strategies.
Participants will use interactive activities, practical tools and shared experiences to build skills and develop short and long-term plans addressing drought impacts and risks.
Farmers will receive resources and guidance to implement sustainable practices while fostering peer connections to enhance support and wellbeing. A shared meal will be provided, offering an additional opportunity to network and strengthen community ties.
This event is part of the Victorian Government’s Drought Support Package for south west Victoria. Find out more or call 136 186.
Weathering the Dry – A farmers’ gathering in Beeac
Date: Thursday 6 March
Time: 6 – 9.30 pm
Location: Farmers Arms Hotel, 87 Main Street, Beeac.
Come join us for meal and evening of networking and discussion at the Farmers' Arms Hotel! 2 course meal provided. Drinks at bar prices.
Supported by Agriculture Victoria, this event will focus on sharing strategies for weathering the challenges of the current dry season.
Connect with local farmers, discuss issues and opportunities, and gain valuable insights to help you manage your situation.
We will also share with you resources, and other support available. Don't miss out on this opportunity to come together as a community and support each other through this dry season. See you there!
Locations: Goroke Community Centre, 85-101 Main St, Goroke
North Park Community Sports Centre, Lamont Street, Stawell
Dates: 13 March, 9 am – 3 pm (Goroke)
31 March, 9 am – 3 pm (Stawell)
Carbon and low emissions farming – St Leonards
To celebrate International Women's Day, Corangamite Rural Women’s Network is hosting a special on-farm event and lunch to share information and learned experience about carbon and low-emissions farming.
Guest speakers:
- Fiona Conroy – beef and sheep farmer, Knewleave Partnership
- Alison Kelly – farm emissions specialist, Agriculture Victoria
- Sarah Brien – sustainable agriculture senior projects officer, Corangamite CMA.
This is a FREE event, with lunch included – numbers are limited so secure your ticket ASAP!
Date: Wednesday 19 March
Time: 10 am – 2: 30 pm
Location: TBC St Leonards.
From farm to science – Dr Jennie Pryce – IWD seminar
Since breeding pedigree Holstein dairy cattle as a youngster growing up on a dairy farm in the UK, Professor Jennie Pryce has made genetic improvement in dairy herds her life's work.
In her seminar, Professor Pryce tracks her career highlighting how she's coped with the biggest changes in the industry, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Date: Thursday 6 March
Time: 11 am – 12 pm
Looking after your livestock, looking after you
Farmers are invited to a one-day workshop to help keep your animals and you going during challenging times.
Unlocking the benefits of low carbon farming – Cavendish
At this workshop, well known agronomist Cam Nicholson will explain why global and national markets are moving to a low-carbon economy and how carbon farming practices can help you take advantage of these changes.
Date: Wednesday 19 March
Time: 9:45 am - 3 pm
Location: Mokanger South, 710 Mokanger Road, Cavendish.
Calm the Farm – Casterton
Are you interested in reducing the risks to mental health in your farm workplace by improving work systems, or doing things a bit differently?
- An interactive and engaging 2-hour workshop that explores ways of reducing work-related stress.
- Connect with other local farmers as you focus on practical solutions to improve job satisfaction and effectiveness for you and your team.
- Continue the conversation over a meal – on us.
Date: Wednesday 26 March
Time: 5 - 7 pm
Location: The Albion Hotel, 25 Henty St, Casterton.
Contacting Agriculture Victoria
Call 136 186 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call (except for mobiles and public telephones).
If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment contact the National Relay Service on 133 677 or www.relayservice.gov.au
All contact points can be found at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us
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