A VICTORIAN piggery in the Goulburn Valley has been placed in quarantine after returning positive tests for swine flu.

Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said the Victorian Government was responding immediately to ensure the A H1 virus was contained, with the Department of Primary Industries placing the affected piggery in quarantine and implementing strict biosecurity measures.

"While tests have confirmed the prescence of Influenza A H1 at the piggery it is important to stress that this is not a human health issue and that national and International food authorities continue to advise that pork and pork products are safe to eat," Mr Helper said.

"Victorians can be assured that every necessary precaution is being taken to ensure the virus is contained on site."

Mr Helper said DPI veterinarians began investigating immediately after receiving notification on Monday that pigs at the Goulburn Valley property were not eating.

"Samples taken and tested at CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health Laboratories in Geelong confirmed the presence of Influenza A H1," he said.

"Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Hugh Millar has advised the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer and the State’s Chief Medical Officer of the test results."

Dr Millar said the DPI was well prepared to respond to the situation.

"All precautions are being taken to contain the virus on site and the movements of animals on and off the property are being traced to ensure that influenza has not spread to other properties," Dr Millar said.

"At this stage of testing, we do not know for certain if it is the same strain as the one affecting humans but it appears highly likely that it will be the same strain."

Dr Millar said the Goulburn Valley case was the second case of swine influenza detected at a piggery in Australia.

In late July, a piggery in New South Wales was found to be infected with Influenza A H1N1. It has also been found in piggeries overseas, most notably in Canada.

"DPI is working closely with the piggery owner, the Victorian Department of Human Services, Australian Pork Limited, the Victorian Farmers Federation, Primesafe and the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to ensure all biosecurity measures are in case,"he said.

Dr Millar said pig owners should continue to maintain strict biosecurity procedures on their properties and report anything unusual in their herds to the Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888.