Japan has banned chicken meat, eggs and processed foods containing eggs and chicken ingredients from Australia.

NFF spokesman Charlie McElhone said it was important to note the avian influenza sub-type was not the virulent, highly pathogenic H5N1 strain and did not present a food safety risk.

He said the risk of transmission was low and the risk to human health was negligible.

Australia is not a major exporter of poultry products, but Mr McElhone said about one tonne, or $130,000 worth of poultry was exported to Japan last year.

“We would encourage all countries looking at a response to this to look at all the facts,” he said.

“There are potential impacts on our Australian brand, and our richly deserved clean, green, safe image.”

The so-called Asian bird flu has killed more than 300 people in Asia since 2008, but Mr McElhone said the outbreak in Victoria was very different.

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has quarantined a commercial duck farm in two locations north-west of Melbourne after birds there tested positive to Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI).

DPI Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Andrew Cameron said the farm has been placed under strict quarantine and no birds, eggs, meat or associated equipment can be taken off the property.

Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Rosemary Lester reinforced the assurances that the public is not at risk.

“Our poultry meat and eggs continue to be safe under normal food handling and cooking arrangements” she said.