Cooped up free-range hens set free again as bird flu spread slows in SA
The spread of H5N1 bird flu has eased in SA in recent weeks, prompting egg farmers to rethink voluntary housing of their free-range hens.
South Australian egg farmers have been debating whether to continue housing their free-range birds due to the slowing spread of H5N1 bird flu. In August, Riverland egg farmer Darren Letton voluntarily housed his free-range chickens to protect them from the virus. Several weeks later, Letton decided to release his birds, but hesitantly, as the virus was still spreading and there was some risk.
The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) has allowed farmers to keep chickens indoors and still use free-range cartons for up to 90 days, preventing a potential cost of changing packaging. While there have been no bird flu cases reported in agriculture across Australia, the risk remains. SA's chief veterinarian, Skye Fruean, stated that while detections had slowed, the risk is still present and she encourages producers to consider housing their free-range birds, weighing both biosecurity and welfare concerns.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
