KNOWN business connections between two Euroa poultry farms has allowed AgVic to quickly detect a second outbreak of bird flu virus on Thursday.

Tracing practices confirmed the presence of H7N8 avian influenza at a new property belonging to egg producers Kinross Farms.

Victoria’s acting chief veterinary officer Cameron Bell said the second detection was not unexpected and that AgVic was continually undertaking testing to understand where the disease was present in the region.

Dr Bell said AgVic was 'on the ground' and supporting impacted businesses.

"There are known connections between the properties, which was how we identified high-priority testing sites early, even before disease was suspected," Dr Bell said.

"After we confirmed the first property last week, we implemented restricted and control areas immediately to mitigate risks of disease spread."

The control area spans east of the Goulburn Valley Highway for Strathbogie Shire, and includes Euroa, Violet Town, Longwood, Ruffy, Avenel, and Strathbogie.

"If you are in the control or restricted areas, you cannot move 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."

A housing requirement has been introduced for producers with more than 50 poultry in the restricted area.

The restricted zone is a smaller area than the control area and includes Euroa and extends approximately 5 km from the affected properties in all directions.

"With Victoria’s experience responding to H7 bird flu outbreaks, we know the greatest risk is to larger producers, who have more movement on and off their property," Dr Bell said.

Kinross Farms managing director Philip Szepe told The Euroa Gazette he was grateful for the local community's support as well as that from AgVic.

"Our priorities are the health and wellbeing of our people and the welfare and biosecurity of our birds, and I want to thank our team members and all those involved in the response for their effort over the past week," Mr Szepe said.

"We have been part of the fabric of Euroa for over 20 years, many of our team members live in this community, and we are grateful for the way people have come together to support us, and each other.

"Avian Influenza doesn't affect eggs or chicken meat and we appreciate our customers' continued support for our eggs."

La Trobe University viral immunologist Emma Grant is a specialist in influenza viruses and said the outbreak at Euroa was a different strain to the influenza viruses seen in Australian poultry farms last year.

“These viruses are also different from the H5N1 viruses circulating in other parts of the world,” Dr Grant said.

“According to Wildlife Health Australia, who survey influenza viruses in wild bird populations, these H7 influenza viruses have not been found circulating in wild birds in Australia.

“Due to the way avian flu transmits, the risk to the general public is very low, as avian influenza viruses find it very difficult to bind to human cells."

Dr Bell said backyard poultry owners should not be complacent.

"Whether you have a few chooks in your backyard or have a commercial poultry farm (there) are some things you can do to improve your biosecurity practices and reduce the risk of your birds becoming infected.

"A strong biosecurity system relies on everyone playing their part; immediate notification from properties when they notice their poultry are unwell is crucial to us getting on top of this outbreak," Dr Bell said.

Community members can report suspect disease, sudden poultry deaths, and ask questions by calling the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

Dr Bell's biosecurity practices for all poultry owners include:

*Restrict contact between pet birds, poultry, and wild birds.

*Prevent wild birds accessing food and water sources for housed birds.

*Keep equipment and yards or aviaries clean.

*Limit visitors to birds.

*Wash hands before and after handling birds.

*Monitor all birds’ health and report any sudden poultry deaths.