Melbourne Royal Show cancels poultry exhibits due to H5 bird flu spread
The decision follows a state government announcement that Phillip Island's wild population of little penguins will be vaccinated against the disease.
The Melbourne Royal Show has decided to cancel poultry exhibitions and competitions in 2026 due to the widespread spread of H5N1 bird flu. This announcement came after the Victorian government announced plans to vaccinate the wild penguin population on Phillip Island against the disease. The Melbourne Royal Show committee, led by executive general manager Hannah von Bibra, consulted with Agriculture Victoria and the state's chief veterinary officer before making the decision.
The health and wellbeing of all animals at the show were their top priority, according to von Bibra. While there are currently no detections of H5N1 in Australian poultry, the situation is unpredictable, and the committee aimed to provide certainty to the community. The show, which has been running for over 178 years with 150 years of poultry exhibits, expressed appreciation for the effort of exhibitors and hoped to welcome poultry back in 2027.
The decision was made as a precaution, as no recorded H5 cases in poultry have been reported yet. Other poultry shows across regional Victoria also faced concerns, with the Royal Adelaide Show canceling bird competitions ahead of its event due to bird flu concerns.
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