Victoria relaxes bird flu poultry lockdown rules as heat looms

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 09:32 · Archive

Victoria has ended a ten-week lockdown order for poultry flocks ahead of forecast hot weather, despite H5N1 continuing to spread in wildlife.

Victoria's agriculture authorities have ended a ten-week lockdown order for poultry flocks larger than 50 birds, citing forecast hot weather and animal welfare considerations. The order had applied across the entire southern half of the state.

H5N1 bird flu continues to spread in wild animals across Australia, though it has not yet been detected in poultry or livestock. Victoria has confirmed 245 cases in wildlife, with 712 cases nationwide, mostly in South Australia. Only Victoria had ordered all flocks larger than 50 birds to be locked inside.

Victorian Farmers Federation president Ryan Milgate said the lockdown had been 'a huge joint effort to keep bird flu out of our commercial poultry industry'. Poultry producers have been urged to review their biosecurity plans, remain alert for signs of disease and monitor their properties for sick or deceased birds.

How it is being reported

• Victoria loosens bird flu poultry flock rules with hot weather on the wayOne Aussie state has made the decision to relax chicken farm lockdown rules ahead of hot weather, despite the ongoing threat of bird flu.The West Australian · 16 Oct, 09:08
• Victoria loosens bird flu poultry flock rules with hot weather on the wayOne Aussie state has made the decision to relax chicken farm lockdown rules ahead of hot weather, despite the ongoing threat of bird flu.Perth Now · 16 Oct, 09:08

In this story: Victoria · Australian agricultural authorities · Victorian Farmers Federation · Ryan Milgate · South Australia

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