Poultry housing requirements extended

Poultry housing requirements for flocks of 50 or more birds have been extended along Victoria’s south coast.

Those areas including Greater Geelong, Surf Coast and Golden Plains.

Agriculture Victoria is extending the requirements for at least 28 days, saying poultry owners must continue to house their birds or take measures to prevent contact with wild birds were possible.

Itcomes as the H5 bird flu strain has been detected in wild birds across the region.

Agriculture Victoria says stringent biosecurity practices remain essential.

Any owners who notice any unexplained illness or deaths in their birds are being urged to report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.