VICTORIAN POULTRY FANCIERS ASSOCIATION LTD – (V.P.F.A.)

Welcome to the VPFA Website: 

Industry Avian Influenza Update
Issued: Friday 13 June 2025 | Edition 13
Current situation
The H7 avian influenza response has come to an end.
Disease eradication activities have been successful; quarantine has been revoked on the four infected properties
near Euroa and the control order surrounding the area has been lifted.
There are no longer movement restrictions in the Euroa area.
There have been no new cases of H7N8 high pathogenicity bird flu since late February 2025.
This progress is a significant step towards re-establishing Australia’s claim to freedom from high pathogenicity
avian influenza.
Victoria’s Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Sally Salmon said the disease had been eradicated thanks to the hard
work of the poultry industry, local bird owners and the wider community.

Full Updated 13 June 2025:HPAI 2025_Industry Update -Edn_13 13 June-2025

Webinar Presentation Presenter Agriculture Victoria:   Emergency Animal Disease Preparedness – Poultry Shows, Auctions

Routes of Transmission :NSW DPI Avian influenza diagram

Biosecurity at shows. The VPFA is rolling out a biosecurity kit to be in place for all of our affiliated shows. This kit contains information on managing any event (minor or major) and appropriate materials to safely manage the event on a day including PPE, disinfectants, contact information and also a footwear sanitation station to be used upon arrival and when you leave to go home. We have also been liaising with Agriculture Victoria who will be providing signage to promote good biosecurity practices at shows and auctions and also further information to add to these kits.

This initiative is all about providing a practical response to facilitate good biosecurity practices to allow us to enjoy our hobby. it will also mean that if any incident (minor or major) occurs that the items needed to respond are all in one place.

We will also be organising a webinar where a veterinarian from Agriculture Victoria will speak with club delegates about protocols for emergency animal disease preparedness and response and biosecurity more generally. We are just finalising the date for this and clubs will be advised soon.

My first Poultry Show session 11am to 1pm everyone welcome. Dandenong Poultry Pavilion Saturday 3rd May 2025 11am to 1pm

VPFA Your first show (1)

The VPFA are looking forward to a full show season in 2025. In order for this to happen we all need to do our part.

Current  Avian Influenza outbreak.

Last updated 8 April 2025

H7 avian influenza (bird flu) was confirmed at 4 poultry properties in northern Victoria near Euroa in February 2025.

Diagnostic tests done at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong confirmed a high pathogenicity strain of H7N8. This is a new outbreak and not related to the 2024 outbreaks in Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, which were successfully eradicated.

This is not the H5N1 bird flu strain that is impacting other parts of the world.

A restricted area with a radius of about 5 km has been in place around the infected properties since February. This is part of a larger control area where controls have been placed on movements that could spread the virus.

Specific rules apply in the control and restricted areas.

There have been no new disease detections since 24 February 2025 and good progress has been made on the cleaning and decontamination of affected properties.

As a result of progress made in the response, the control area has been reduced in size to about 40 kilometres from east to west and 30 kilometres from north to south.

Townships still impacted by restrictions include Euroa and Longwood. Strathbogie, Violet Town, Ruffy and Avenel have been removed from the control area from 31 March 2025.

Mandatory movement controls on birds, bird products (including eggs) and poultry equipment, as well as restrictions placed on game bird hunting and hunters. are no longer in place for areas outside the redrawn control area.

The housing requirement for premises with 50 or more birds in the restricted area is now also lifted. The voluntary housing of birds is still encouraged.

Any suspicion of an emergency animal disease (EAD) should be immediately reported to the 24-hour EAD Hotline on 1800 675 888 or to your local vet.

Agriculture Victoria is continuing to work with impacted property owners.

Illness in humans who have direct contact with animals infected with high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses has been reported overseas. However, the risk to the public is low. Find out more about avian influenza in humans from the BetterHealth Channel.

We represent a network of regional poultry clubs across Victoria. Wherever you live in Victoria there is a club in your region where dedicated volunteers run shows, auctions and educational events. If you want to get in touch with your local club there is a list of club contacts on the VPFA webpage www.vpfa.com.au

In addition to the regional clubs the VPFA represents a network of breed and specialist clubs throughout Victoria. If you want to meet and network with a group of folk who share your passion for a certain breed or group of fowl then seek out some contact information at www.vpfa.com.au. If your breed is not here let us know and we can help you find a national club or provide some contacts to help set up a club or branch in Victoria.

MY FIRST POULTRY SHOW

If you have thought about showing and not sure where to start, this could be your chance to have your questions answered. Bring your birds along and get the opinion of an experienced judge. Hear about what a judge is looking for. Learn how to read a show schedule and prepare a bird for showing. All in a friendly and non-competitive environment. We can also provide a buddy to assist you at your first show if you want. Please contact us at admin@vpfa.com.au to RSVP or with more questions. If you can’t make this date or venue and you are keen to be involved please let us know, and we will look at other times and venues at one of our clubs across Victoria.

VPFA MEMBERSHIP

The VPFA would like to advise exhibitors of a new membership.

‘C ‘ Class membership $25.00 electronic journal exhibitors can exhibit at 2 affiliated clubs in 2025. Members will need to nominate the 2 clubs they wish to exhibit at in 2025.

Free Junior Membership with any Adult  ‘A’ Class membership taken out in the same family.

Members are advised that all $55 financial members from 2024 will carry over for 2025.  $95 membership are advised that in order to receive the hardcopy journal in 2025 a fee of $40 is payable.

Membership form 2025:VPFA Membership 2025 (2)

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The VPFA Board of Directors would like to wish all of our members and their families a

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY SAFE NEW YEAR

Please stay safe and take care of each other.

                              VPFA Journal History 

VPFA are pleased to announce that the VPFA Journals for over 50years are now available on USB.

Over 50years of our amazing history is available to Current Members for $35.00 and Non members for $50.00

Orders via email to admin@vpfa.com.au

Queries to Anne 0412002266 

Will make a  great Xmas Present

VPFA Journals on a USB 2024 (2)

VICTORIAN POULTRY FANCIERS’ ASSOCIATION LTD

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Members are advised that the Annual General Meeting of the VPFA Ltd will he held on Sunday 24^th November 2024 commencing at 10.30am  at Dandenong Agricultural & Pastoral Society Meeting Room Greeves Reserve Bennet Street Dandenong.

The AGM will be immediately followed by a General Meeting of the Membership.

Morning Tea available from 10am.

Following the General Meeting a light lunch will be provided.

Please advise of dietary requirements if attending.

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Dear VPFA Members,

There will be no Board Election in 2024.

The Board welcomes our new director MichaeL Paterson. With Director Ted Brown also successful in renominating for another term.

Congratulations to both gentlemen.

Regards VPFA Board.

Poultry Judging National Final

Good Luck to Josh Hancock representing Victoria in the Poultry Judging National Final that will be held today at the Royal Adelaide Show due to Melbourne Royal not having a Poultry Section this year due to the Avian Flu.

Agriculture Victoria  are currently  calling  and sending text messages.

VPFA Judge Assessment Application form: VPFA Judges Application 2024

VPFA and VWA Judge Assessments will take place on Saturday 7th September 2024 at Warragul . Please contact the VPFA secretary to register. Secretary 0412002266

Agriculture Victoria·

If you own backyard poultry, pet birds or racing pigeons, there are simple things you can do to protect your birds.

Visit go.vic.gov.au/3Y2q1Ua for tips to keep your flock safe.

Report any unexplained sick or dead birds to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

Avian influenza is highly contagious and can be spread to poultry in many ways.

These include:

– Contaminated poultry feed and bedding

– Vehicles that transport poultry

– Footwear and clothing that have had contact with poultry

– Ducks, migratory and wild birds

– Unchlorinated water.

What you should do:

– Check if you live in a control or restricted area

– House your poultry in cages or sheds if you’re in a control or restricted area

– Keep poultry cages, sheds, yards, aviaries and equipment clean

– Get a permit if you are carrying birds, poultry products, feed or equipment in or out of a control or restricted area

– Look for any signs of avian influenza in your poultry.

To learn more, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza

We want to talk to you today

Community members are invited to our pop-up information sessions on avian influenza in the Golden Plains Shire Council area.

You will find us at Bannockburn Central, 17 McPhillips Road

Saturday 13 July, 10 am to 12 noon

Please refer to Agriculture Victoria’s web page for up to date information.

https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/avian-influenza-bird-flu

17 June 2024

Recommendation Regarding Postponement of VPFA Affiliated Shows / Events Involving Birds

During the Current Avian Influenza Outbreak 

The VPFA Board met this evening following our Avian Influenza update meeting.

The Board resolved to request that affiliated club shows and events involving birds be postponed for the period during which the current outbreak is being actively managed by Agriculture Victoria and movement restrictions are in place.  Noting that there was a further detection today.

We acknowledge that there is uncertainty as to whether orders will be extended and for how long, but to provide clarity with respect to our position we wish to align the duration of this recommendation with the movement controls that are readily available to view on the Agriculture Victoria website. Noting that the duration of these controls is the responsibility of Agriculture Victoria.

Several factors informed this decision, including.

• The advice from Agriculture Victoria that was forwarded to all members on Saturday 15 June.
• The challenges with respect individual clubs running and managing shows with movement control areas in place. Noting the Agriculture Victoria advice that clubs and individuals near movement control areas consider whether they should travel or hold events.
• The potential risk to our flocks should AI be detected in a bird at a show.
• The number of clubs and breeders who had already made decisions to not run or participate in event.
• Providing a clear policy position rather than weekly updates.

We all want to show, socialise with each other, and participate in the hobby that we are so passionate about.  But these are uncertain times, and we all need to contribute to Agriculture Victoria’s efforts to control and eradicate this outbreak.

We acknowledge the inconvenience that this recommendation will cause to clubs and individuals and will consider this at the VPFA Board.

Let’s hope that this outbreak is confined to the current flocks and the restrictions are lifted as soon as possible.

Regards

The VPFA Board of Directors.

14^th June 2024

To VPFA Members and Clubs please note the following advice from Agriculture Victoria.  This advice was received by the VPFA at 5pm on Thursday 13 June.

• Movement controls are in place to prevent the spread of Avian Influenza, so we currently have a Restricted Area that covers the impacted Meredith and Lethbridge properties and a broader Control Area buffer zone, which is bound by Bacchus Marsh Road in the east and the Colac–Ballarat Road on the western boundary, along with a Restricted Area covering a 5 km radius around the Terang farm, with a broader Control Area buffer zone covering a 15 km radius.  For detailed maps see https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/avian-influenza-bird-flu
• Movements or events outside the Restricted and Control Areas described above currently do not have any restrictions or requirements.
• Poultry Owners within the Restricted and Control Areas are subject to the movement control orders
• Agriculture Victoria recommends that consideration is given to running shows close to the current Restricted and Control Areas as the response is constantly changing and if there were further detections, the Restricted and Control Areas may need to be rapidly updated. This could result in that event and all birds at the event being under the Control or Restricted Area movement controls.
• Agriculture Victoria recommends poultry owners who live near the current Restricted and Control Areas to reconsider travelling to shows with their birds as the Restricted and Control Areas may need to be updated while they are away, and they may not be allowed to return home with their birds.
• Keep up to date with the Avian Influenza response through our website – Avian influenza | Poultry diseases | Animal diseases | Biosecurity | Agriculture Victoria

Regards

VPFA Board of Directors

11^th June 2024

Statement from VPFA Board Regarding Avian Influenza

General

All VPFA members would be aware that there is a current Avian influenza outbreak in Victoria with two restriction zones in place.  The zones and further details can be found at the following website.

https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/avian-influenza-bird-flu

The website also has a zoomable map function to see the movement control zones in detail and also links to the movement control orders and symptoms of Avian influenza.  All poultry keepers in Victoria must comply with these restrictions so please visit the site regularly to check for updates and contact Agriculture for clarification.

Shows held by VPFA affiliated clubs

• The VPFA respects the decision of those clubs that have elected to postpone shows.
• We look forward to the resumption of scheduled shows by VPFA affiliated clubs, the first of which are now after the current movement control orders are lifted.
• We encourage clubs and members to continue to monitor the information from Agriculture Victoria and follow all guidelines and regulations.
• The VPFA will also continue to monitor the situation and appraise our members of any changes as soon as practicable.

Club member events that may be held during the period of the movement control orders

• All clubs should ensure that any event is held in a way that is consistent with Agriculture Victoria guidelines.
• Clubs should also consider appropriate biosecurity measures associated with poultry, poultry feed, waterers, bedding etc – more information is available on the Agriculture Victoria website.

We thank everybody for acting responsibly during this outbreak and ask everybody to be respectful of the views of others and especially to have consideration to our members and friends who live within, or close to the movement control areas.  This is a stressful time and if you feel you need help please reach out and seek the support you need.

Thankyou for your cooperation.

The VPFA Board of Directors

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HOT OF THE PRESS

Addendum 2 Being launched at Canberra late morning and available at both Canberra Poultry Show and 2024 State Poultry Show at Goulburn for $30 .

Cash preferred at show.

Available from 11th June 2024 online $35 which includes postage. To order go to the www.vpfa.com.au

Updated Agriculture Victoria details:

https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/avian-influenza-bird-flu

“Please abide by all government rules and please report any unexplained deaths in your flock.”                                                   Click this link for further information on Avian Influenza – https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/avian-influenza-bird-flu/                                                              

3^rd June 2024

Statement Regarding Avian Influenza and VPFA Affiliated Shows / Events

Postponement of Shows ,Auctions and Bird Days/ Nights 

Scheduled until 19^th  June  2024

The VPFA Board met this evening and discussed the Agriculture Victoria current update regarding  the highly pathogenic H7N3 strain and H7N9 strain of avian influenza. There is a housing order in place for 15km  around  the Meredith and Terang properties.

We appreciate that clubs have already made the decision to postpone or cancel events until 19^th June 2024. Clubs have communicated  this to members and exhibitors.

The  Board accepts that affiliated clubs have not made this decision lightly, and we appreciate that this causes inconvenience to our clubs and members.  However, in this period of uncertainty it is important that we all do the best we can to assist Agriculture Victoria in containing this outbreak.

We maintain valuable and unique genetics that cannot be replaced and, in many cases, exist in only a few flocks.  Hopefully this precautionary approach is short term, and we can quickly go back to enjoying the hobby that we are so passionate about.

The VPFA Board will meet again to review the latest information from Agriculture  if the need arises.

Hopefully these two cases will be the only ones in this outbreak.

Affiliated Clubs that have requested a new show date are Gippsland & Riveria now Sunday 23^rd June 2024, Ballarat Poultry Society now having their 1^st Show on Saturday 13^th July 2024 in their new shed. Kyneton Poultry Club are also looking at a new date, will advertise when available.

Thankyou for you co-operation

The VPFA Board of Directors

“Please abide by all government rules and please report any unexplained deaths in your flock.”                                                   Click this link for further information on Avian Influenza – https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/avian-influenza-bird-flu/                                                              

27^th  May 2024

Statement Regarding Avian Influenza and VPFA Affiliated Shows / Events

Postponement of Shows ,Auctions and Bird Days/ Nights 

Scheduled for 1^st and 2^nd June  2024

The VPFA Board met this evening and discussed the Agriculture Victoria current update regarding  the highly pathogenic H7N3 strain and H7N9 strain of avian influenza. There is a housing order in place for 15km  around  the Meredith and Terang properties.

The Board resolved to request that affiliated club shows and events to the held this weekend (1st and 2^nd  June) be postponed.  This decision was not made lightly, and we appreciate that this causes inconvenience to our clubs and members.  However, in this period of uncertainty it is important that we all do the best we can to assist Agriculture Victoria in containing this outbreak.

We maintain valuable and unique genetics that cannot be replaced and, in many cases, exist in only a few flocks.  Hopefully this precautionary approach is short term, and we can quickly go back to enjoying the hobby that we are so passionate about.

The VPFA Board will meet again on Monday evening to review the latest information from Agriculture with respect to forthcoming shows, auctions and associated events.

Hopefully these two cases will be the only ones in this outbreak.

Thankyou for you co-operation

The VPFA Board of Directors

23 May 2024

Statement Regarding Avian Influenza and VPFA Affiliated Shows / Events

Postponement of Shows ,Auctions and Bird Days/ Nights 

Scheduled for 25 and 26 May 2024

The VPFA Board met this evening and discussed the news from Agriculture Victoria regarding the second case of the highly pathogenic H7N3 strain of avian influenza.

The Board resolved to request that affiliated club shows and events to the held this weekend (25 and 26 May) be postponed.  This decision was not made lightly, and we appreciate that this causes inconvenience to our clubs and members.  However, in this period of uncertainty it is important that we all do the best we can to assist Agriculture Victoria in containing this outbreak.

We maintain valuable and unique genetics that cannot be replaced and, in many cases, exist in only a few flocks.  Hopefully this precautionary approach is short term, and we can quickly go back to enjoying the hobby that we are so passionate about.

The VPFA Board will meet again on Monday evening to review the latest information from Agriculture with respect to forthcoming shows, auctions and associated events.

Hopefully these two cases will be the only ones in this outbreak.

Thankyou for you co-operation

The VPFA Board of Directors

Ballarat Poultry Society  MAY SHOW  ENTRIES GO ONLINE

A Successful Weekend at The Melbourne Pet Show and Seymour Alternative Farming Expo

Both events attended by thousands of people.

Pet Show in Melbourne was a perfect opportunity for people to pat a chicken and ask questions on keeping poultry in your back yard.

Seymour alternative farming expo was well attended with plenty of questions on poultry keeping.

VPFA Mentor Program

POULTRY MAKE GREAT PETS

Do you have a poultry question?  Need some advice setting up your backyard chicken coop? Not sure where to start?

Do you have chickens?

Would you like to breed chickens?

Have you ever wondered about showing chickens?

Do you have chicken related questions?

Then please get in touch with the VPFA Secretary  Email: admin@vpfa.com.au

Update to Members

VPFA Memberships are now due. Do you wish to remain on the VPFA Judges then your  membership needs to be current. Renew Now.

Membership 2024-Membership 2024 New or Renewal updated copy

VPFA Show Calendar 2024-2024 VPFA Show Date Calendar 5

Avian Influenza

Agriculture Victoria held a free webinar on Avian Influenza. If you missed this webinar and would like further information on avian influenza and what you can to prevent your flock from being affected, then go to the Agriculture Victoria website.

https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/event-listing/avian-influenza-awareness-for-poultry-owners

VPFA Board Chairman Update

First and foremost we thank Brian Daniels for his work and dedication during his time as chairman.

We welcome our new Chairman Kevin Smith. Kevin is passionate about our hobby and looks forward to working with the VPFA Board, Clubs and Members.

Are you a member of the VPFA and having trouble with the council, then contact the secretary of the VPFA we may be able to help.

Secretary Anne: admin@vpfa.com.au

Memberships are now due for the 2024 Show Season. If you wish to be included on the VPFA Judges List published in the journal then you need to be a current financial member.

Membership 2024-Membership 2024 New or Renewal updated copy

Club Affiliations  2024 are now due-Club-Affiliation-2024-Membership-Form RENEWAL copy

Club Affiliation 2024 have been subsidised by 50%  to $50.00.

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