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

Welcome to the VPFA Website: 

 

Agriculture Victoria

Avian influenza (bird flu)

Current situation

Last updated 7 November

Agriculture Victoria continues to respond to the detection of avian influenza at 8 poultry farms.

Avian influenza is a viral disease of birds found globally. Virus strains are described as low pathogenicity (LPAI) or high pathogenicity (HPAI). Seven properties close to Meredith were infected with a high-pathogenicity strain of avian influenza called H7N3. A property near Terang was infected with a different high-pathogenicity strain called H7N9.

No further cases of high pathogenicity avian influenza have been detected in Victoria since 24 June.

From 7 November 2024, the control area order for avian influenza around Terang has been lifted:

  • Permits are no longer required to move birds, poultry products and equipment in or around Terang.
  • The control area order for avian influenza around Meredith remains in place.
  • Properties within the Meredith control area still require permits for moving birds, poultry products and equipment.

Domestic poultry are no longer required to remain inside enclosures anywhere in Victoria.

Permits are not required for vehicles transporting poultry feed in the Meredith control area as long as they meet biosecurity requirements.

Agriculture Victoria is grateful for the support of communities and industry in providing information and abiding by movement controls, to help ensure an effective response.

Agriculture Victoria thanks producers and poultry owners within declared areas for their help and willingness to work alongside Agriculture Victoria to carry out testing and surveillance activities, to help demonstrate proof of freedom of the virus.

                              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 24th 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.
Wishing you all the best Josh!!
All other ASA National Finals will be held at Melbourne Royal.

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Agriculture Victoria  are currently  calling  and sending text messages.

We are calling and sending texts to residents in the Meredith, Lethbridge and Terang areas to gather information about the number and health of poultry. Gathering this data helps us to plan the response and lift the control areas and restricted areas as soon as possible.

If you let us know that you have poultry or pigs, our vets will call you in a few days to check on their health.

Be aware of scams. Agriculture Victoria will not ask for financial information or credit card details.

For information about Agriculture Victoria’s privacy policy, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/privacy

If you have any questions, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 1800 226 226

 

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.
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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.

14th 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

 

11th 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/                                                              

Please note housing requirements remain in place for the movement control areas around Meredith and Terang. Please check the maps on the Agriculture Victoria page if you are unsure. Also if you live within the movement control area you will need to obtain a permit from Agriculture Victoria if you need to move poultry or poultry equipment.

3rd June 2024

Statement Regarding Avian Influenza and VPFA Affiliated Shows / Events

Postponement of Shows ,Auctions and Bird Days/ Nights 

Scheduled until 19th  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 19th 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 23rd June 2024, Ballarat Poultry Society now having their 1st Show on Saturday 13th 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/                                                              

Please note housing requirements remain in place for the movement control areas around Meredith and Terang. Please check the maps on the Agriculture Victoria page if you are unsure. Also if you live within the movement control area you will need to obtain a permit from Agriculture Victoria if you need to move poultry or poultry equipment.
As we approach the end of the weekend I would like to update our members. We are monitoring and sharing the Agriculture Victoria updates as soon as we can. These updates reflect the official requirements and it is important that if you are in a movement control area that you follow these instructions. Outside of these areas we encourage all members to be vigilant and monitor their flocks and to practice the biosecurity guidelines recommended by Agriculture Victoria that are linked on this page.
Let’s hope that the influenza outbreaks have been contained through the efforts of Agriculture Victoria and the commercial farms involved.
In the meantime I would like to thank our clubs and members at this time and we hope that we are all having a great time at our shows in the very near future!
Any VPFA members should feel free to contact me if they wish to discuss any concern

27th  May 2024

 

 

Statement Regarding Avian Influenza and VPFA Affiliated Shows / Events

Postponement of Shows ,Auctions and Bird Days/ Nights 

Scheduled for 1st and 2nd 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 2nd  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

Exhibitors welcome to our ONLINE ENTRIES for the May show. This is being developed in conjunction with Nominate PL some of the is still in development and relates to horses so please be patient and we will all benefit. If it says Rider substitute with Exhibitor and Horse with Bird. The following is a navigation to assist you with your entries.
Click on the link below to start.
When the platform opens select Blue square on left of screen to start. In Drop down box select Rider log in if you have an account
Or Sign in to open an account if not
JUNIORS PLEASE ENTER BIRTH DATE AND CLICK I AM A JUNIOR
NEXT
Click on 3 bars beside Rider Acc Info
Select Enter Events Scroll to VPFA May Show
Agree to Rules and Regs
Select are you a junior and tick Senior or Junior whichever is appropriate
It is now time to enter your birds from the standard list [tick box on right side]
We can only enter one bird per class at a time so if you have multiple birds in a class go to bottom of the list and select Add another class
When finished entering complete VPFA number enter bird in exhibit name and go to Next accept indemnity and complete payment.
Should you have any questions or need help please call Peter on 0407424052
Link
Benalla Poultry Show April 2024
First Victorian Poultry Show on the 2024 show calendar was a huge success with Benalla Poultry Shed brimming full of 440 birds.
Thanks to our Exhibitors for coming.
Thanks to Rob Moloney, Tony Milton, Charles Jensen and Neil Penny for judging our Show.
Thanks to our Stewards Ebonie, Phillip, Caitlyn, Daniel, Courtney, Jade, Tracey, Nick, Tammy, Mandy, Liz .
Thanks to Steve, Lyn and Liz for keeping everyone fed.
Thanks to Brian for the loan of 30 plus bantam pens.
Our committee sincerely thank the set up crew and the clean up crew.
Great job everyone.
Congratulations to all who’s birds won there classes:
Champ in Show K & N Fenaughty wheaten pullet.
Res in Show Featherview Poultry white Mallard
Champ Junior Pyper Rouen Duck
Res Junior Liam Collins Aus Pit Game
Champ Eggs A Beaty
Res Eggs M Holmes

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

Introducing VPFA Best series 2024
V.P.F.A Best Series
The Best Series is a competition run by the VPFA. A point system will be awarded to exhibitors for each category at VPFA affiliated shows with winning exhibitors presented medals at VPFA AGM.
Points will be awarded for
• Champion + reserve Standard Hard feather
• Champion + reserve Standard Soft feather
• Champion + reserve Bantam Soft feather
• Champion + reserve Bantam Hard feather
• Champion + reserve Waterfowl
• Champion + reserve Eggs
• Champion + reserve Field and forest
4 points for champion
2 points for reserve
Progressive points will be published as season is in progress then tallied at last show of year with medallions presented at AGM to champion and reserve in each category.
• Exhibitors must be a paid VPFA member 2024
• Points will only be collected at affiliated club shows where these categories are awarded
• Good luck and hope you have a great show season!
For any inquiries about joining the VPFA contact Anne Beaty 0412 002 266
A link to a list of dates for Shows affiliated with the VPFA is below: vpfa.com.au

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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