Victoria has introduced a mandatory housing requirement for some poultry flocks as H5N1 avian influenza continues to be detected in new areas of the state.
The order is in effect for 14 days, until August 21, and applies to individuals, households and businesses keeping 50 or more poultry in metropolitan Melbourne, coastal areas and some neighbouring areas. Poultry must be housed or confined to prevent contact with wild birds and wildlife outside the premises.
The Victorian Government said the measure is intended to reduce the risk of the virus entering poultry flocks. Outside the local government areas covered by the requirement, housing is not mandatory but is recommended where practical.
“This is about making sure that farm animals are not having that contact with wildlife,” Settle said.
Victoria’s chief veterinary officer Graeme Cook said new bird flu detections in Yambuk, Apollo Bay and Clyde had prompted a heightened response in certain areas.
Australian chief veterinary officer Beth Cookson said testing had confirmed 20 further positive H5 detections in Victoria, all in greater crested terns from the Portland and Nelson area. Australia has now recorded 175 confirmed or presumed positive detections. No detections have been reported in poultry or Australia’s agricultural production system. The risk to humans remains very low.
The Victorian measure follows Ingham’s decision to lock down its WA operations in June. The move came after H5 was detected in a migratory bird near Esperance.
The outbreak response has also affected poultry exhibitions. The Royal Adelaide Show has cancelled its bird and poultry exhibits scheduled for next month. The Victorian Government is in discussions with the Royal Melbourne Show about similar measures.
Meanwhile, the ACCC is allowing farmers to keep chickens indoors. They can continue using free-range egg cartons while avian influenza controls are in place.
Victoria is the first Australian jurisdiction to introduce a mandatory poultry housing order.
- Further reading: Inghams invests $50m in new Victorian poultry breeder farms.
