The new strain of avian influenza, the low pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza virus, was identified on August 10 at the Ellaswood property.

Previous business owner, Judy Leadoux, is devastated.  

“The Leadoux family is not involved in any way with the operations of the farm,” Mrs Leadoux said.

“We are extremely saddened. It’s all totally unnecessary that this has happened like this.”

In a media statement released last Tuesday (see the <I>Primary Producer<P> for more details) it states neither H5N2, or the highly pathogenic strain, H7N7, are a risk to humans - unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds. 

Hence, workers and biosecurity officers at affected properties are taking necessary precautions, including wearing protective personal equipment.

The flock has been destroyed because of the risk the virus could decimate the wider poultry industry. Wild birds can become infected and pass the virus on.

Mrs Leadoux said the turkey meat was safe to eat, provided it was cooked at over 70 degrees, as all poultry should be.

“Any turkey processed prior to August 5 won’t be a risk, it will be completely clean.

“Slaughter of an infected bird in a processing plant is when people can be infected,” she said.

“I feel sad for the workers whose jobs are now uncertain. It will be quite a while until birds can be grown there.

“And I’m sorry for all the customers I built up over 40 years.” 

Neighbours in the area are critical of the lack of communication between Agriculture Victoria staff and themselves.

One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said she heard about the virus on the radio.

“No one has phoned, called in or done a letter-box drop,” she said.

“The killing started at 8am Saturday. We had to listen to the bolt guns going all day. Those birds were so distressed.

“Obviously there are a lot of government department people there. I thought someone would have told me what was going on.

“We’re in isolation because of COVID-19, but surely we could have arranged to go somewhere else if we had known.

“I am really shocked the chief veterinary officer gave the thumbs up for the cull to happen like that.

“We didn’t need to hear that for two days. No one went to any lengths to shield us or keep us in the loop.”

She said large machinery had taken away the top layer of soil and chemical had been sprayed. 

“Poor Judy, 40 years of care and it’s all gone in six months.”

Suspicion of infection must be reported to Agriculture Victoria or to the local Agriculture Victoria Animal Health and Welfare officer.

If you have had contact with birds on an affected property and you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, call your doctor or the Department of Health and Human Services for medical advice.