Victoria announces poultry lockdown as bird flu cases spread

The Victorian government has imposed a poultry lockdown to curb the spread of H5N1 bird flu, which has been rapidly spreading among bird populations. The new measures target poultry owners with over 50 birds in metropolitan Melbourne and certain high-risk areas. The initial 14-day housing orders aim to prevent contact between farmed birds and wild animals, with the government monitoring the situation closely.

Agriculture Minister Michaela Settle emphasized that this proactive step would safeguard the industry and keep wildlife interactions to a minimum. This marks Victoria as the first Australian jurisdiction to enforce such a poultry lock down. The government's decision comes after H5N1 bird flu was detected in migratory birds near Esperance and new cases were reported in Yambuk, Apollo Bay, and Clyde.

Dr Graeme Cook, Victorian Chief Veterinary Officer, expressed concern about the eastward spread of the disease, making the risk to poultry harder to gauge. Victoria's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Graeme Cook, reported 20 positive bird flu detections in the state, all in greater crested terns from Portland and Nelson areas. Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson confirmed 175 confirmed or presumed positive detections across Australia, with human threat remaining low.

Concerns are mounting in other states, with the Royal Adelaide Show suspending bird and poultry exhibits due to the rising bird flu cases. The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) has permitted farmers to house chickens indoors while still utilizing free-range cartons. Settle stated that the government is committed to mitigating any consumer impacts from the disease, ensuring continued availability of eggs at current prices.