Bird flu spreads to third property as farmers warn Australia’s egg shortage could be prolonged

Agriculture Victoria staff are working on the ground with the egg industry to contain and eradicate a highly pathogenic strain of the bird flu virus. Photograph: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A highly pathogenic strain of bird flu has been detected at a third property in Victoria, with farmers warning it could exacerbate Australia’s egg shortage in coming months.

Agriculture Victoria on Thursday said the H7N8 strain of avian influenza had been detected at a third poultry farm at Euroa in Victoria’s north-east.