Avian influenza has been confirmed at a fourth poultry farm in Victoria's Golden Plains Shire, which has been placed under quarantine.
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The egg farm, which has about 37,000 birds on-site, will be "depopulated" and decontaminated by Agriculture Victoria specialists after the H7N7 strain was detected.
Victoria's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Graeme Cooke said in a statement Agriculture Victoria was acting swiftly to contain the outbreaks, and noted the agency has been undertaking regular surveillance at the property.
"Avian influenza viruses occur naturally among wild birds and can be difficult to detect as they may not show signs but can cause infections in our domestic bird populations," Dr Cooke said.
These two detections bring the total number of affected farms to six since the first farm detection on July 31.
Golden Plains is a local government area in the western part of Victoria.
The public is encouraged to report sick or dead birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
The H7N7, H7N6 and H5N2 types of the virus are not a risk to the public as it rarely affects humans, unless there is direct and close contact with sick birds. Properly cooked poultry products are safe to eat.
