The farm had already been placed in lockdown due to the detection of highly pathogenic H7N3 bird flu at another commercial egg farm in Victoria, Australia. This follows a second confirmed case of bird flu in New South Wales (NSW). Agriculture Victoria confirmed the eighth case of avian influenza at a farm that was already under lockdown. The bird flu was discovered through testing within the restricted area in the Golden Plains Shire. All poultry at the affected property will be humanely disposed of under veterinary supervision. Movement restrictions are expected to be in place for several weeks. Agriculture Victoria is working with producers and the poultry industry to respond to these detections through ongoing testing and biosecurity practices. Movement controls in certain areas have been extended, and permits are required to move birds and poultry products within these restricted areas.
Agriculture Victoria assured the community that eggs and poultry products are safe to consume and do not pose a risk. The current outbreak has not significantly affected the egg supply chain in Victoria. The seventh case of high pathogenicity H7N3 bird flu was confirmed at a commercial egg farm in Victoria, resulting in the euthanization of approximately one million birds to prevent the spread of the virus. In total, the H7N3 strain has been detected at seven properties near Meredith, while the H7N9 strain was found at a property near Terang in Victoria. In NSW, a second case of highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed, with over 300,000 birds being culled.
The NSW state budget includes funding for protecting primary industries from biosecurity threats. Bird flu is caused by various influenza type A viruses that typically infect birds. Wildlife Health Australia noted that while HPAI strains have affected poultry in Australia, wild birds have not been impacted. Historically, Australia has experienced outbreaks of H7 strains, with HPAI rarely detected in Australian wild birds. Please rewrite this sentence.
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