DUCK shooters have been warned to not hunt within the bird flu quarantine and restriction zones around Euroa as the game bird hunting season's opening approaches.

A community information message was issued by VicEmergency on Sunday, 9 March for all bird owners, including poultry producers, bird keepers, and pet bird owners in and around Euroa, Violet Town, Longwood, Ruffy, Avenel, and Strathbogie.

The bulletin replaces that issued on 5 March which was in response to confirmed outbreaks of H7N8 avian influenza at four poultry properties near Euroa.

The area impacted by restrictions is east of the Goulburn Valley Freeway for Strathbogie Shire.

The restrictions prohibit the movement of birds, equipment and products, including manure and eggs, within and out of both the control and restricted areas until further notice.

All poultry owners with more than 50 birds in the restricted area are required to house their birds, and includes the area between Euroa and Longwood.

Recreational game bird hunting is also not allowed in the restricted or control areas, including that for duck, stubble quail, and introduced game birds.

Moving game bird carcasses and any equipment associated with game bird hunting into, out of, or through the restricted and control areas is prohibited unless under a movement permit.

All bird owners should regularly check their birds and report unexplained illness or deaths to a local vet or by calling the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226.

Birds on infected properties are being destroyed.

Eggs and poultry products from supermarkets are safe to consume.

More information about movement controls and quarantine can be found at agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza