Chickens allowed free range again in Victoria as bird flu lockdown ends

The poultry lockdown in Victoria's southern and coastal regions is set to conclude today, even though bird flu continues to spread among wildlife. Agriculture Victoria explained that welfare concerns and predictions of elevated summer temperatures were among the factors influencing the decision to relax confinement rules for flocks of 50 or more birds.

Monitoring of the bird flu situation will persist, and the housing order could be reinstated if necessary. A lockdown order to safeguard Victorian poultry farms from the H5N1 bird flu strain was lifted today, despite the ongoing transmission of the lethal disease among wildlife. Since its initial announcement in early August, flocks of 50 or more birds in metropolitan Melbourne and southern parts of the state have been compelled to remain indoors or be confined.

H5N1 has been detected in wildlife across Australia but has not been identified in poultry or livestock. Agriculture Victoria cited animal welfare and hotter-than-average forecast summer temperatures when deciding to lift the housing order. Chief veterinary officer Graeme Cooke reported that farmers have been supportive of the protective measures thus far.

He emphasized that producers must continue to safeguard their flocks from wildlife as much as feasible. Reducing contact between poultry and wild birds remains one of the most effective methods to lower the risk of disease, according to Cooke. The lifting of the order marks the end of a 10-week lockdown for poultry farmers in Victoria's south.

Veterinary Federation president Ryan Milgate highlighted that it has been a significant collective effort to prevent bird flu from infiltrating the commercial poultry industry. Milgate stressed the importance of adhering to strong biosecurity practices to minimize the risk of disease outbreaks, such as H5. Milgate urged producers to remain vigilant for sick or diseased birds and cautioned against becoming complacent.

While the lockdown's conclusion today signifies the end of the 234 confirmed events of H5N1 in wildlife in Victoria, Dr. Cooke stated that the risk of disease transmission remains. He clarified that authorities will continue monitoring the risk closely and retain the capacity to implement additional controls if circumstances evolve.

Victorians have been advised to avoid contact with unwell or dead wildlife. Reports can be submitted to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888 or via the Agriculture Victoria website.