An estimated 400,000 chickens were killed at AVGO Eggs in an effort to stop the spread of avian flu. The outbreak also affected Surf Coast Eggs in Terang, where approximately 160,000 birds were destroyed after the farm was placed under quarantine. The spokesperson for AVGO and Surf Coast Eggs acknowledged the challenges of protecting against avian flu and stated that all necessary protocols had been followed. It is anticipated that the farms may be closed for months, which could lead to an increase in the price of eggs in Victoria. Additionally, a second human case of the H5N1 strain of bird flu was reported in a dairy worker in Michigan, transmitted by cattle.
In response to the outbreak, Agriculture Victoria issued housing requirements for bird owners living near the affected farms in Meredith and Terang. Poultry farmers, backyard flock owners, and bird owners within a five-kilometre radius of the farms were instructed to house their birds in cages or sheds to minimize direct contact with wild birds that may carry the disease. Although the housing order is seen as an effective method of reducing the risk of further avian influenza cases, it does not guarantee the elimination of the spread of the disease. The H7N3 and H7N9 strains of avian flu, which are different from the virulent H5N1 strain, have not been detected in birds in Australia.
Victoria’s Chief Veterinarian, Graeme Cooke, expressed support for the housing requirements, describing them as a sensible step in light of the recent avian influenza outbreaks. He emphasized the importance of minimizing direct contact between birds and wild birds, which can carry the disease without showing symptoms. Cooke highlighted that while the housing order can reduce the risk of avian flu transmission, it cannot completely eliminate it. The H5N1 variant of avian flu has caused significant damage in the United States, infecting more than 90 million birds and poultry since 2022 and leading to the deaths of Adelie penguins and skua seabirds in Antarctica.
The company spokesperson for AVGO and Surf Coast Eggs reassured the public that they were working closely with Agriculture Victoria to contain and eradicate the outbreaks as safely as possible. The joint management, staff, and machinery at the affected farms indicated a direct connection between the two avian flu cases. Despite efforts to follow all protocols and regulations, the spokesperson acknowledged the inevitability of the outbreak and the challenges associated with preventing avian flu. The closure of the farms and the destruction of a large number of birds have raised concerns about the potential impact on the egg industry in Victoria.
It is expected that it may take months before the affected farms can resume operations, leading to potential shortages and increased prices of eggs in the region. The twin outbreaks of avian flu serve as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by bird flu and the importance of implementing measures to contain its spread. The human case of the H5N1 strain in Michigan highlights the potential for cross-species transmission of the virus, further underscoring the need for vigilance and coordinated efforts to prevent future outbreaks. Agriculture Victoria’s proactive response to the situation, including the issuance of housing requirements for bird owners, demonstrates a commitment to addressing the immediate challenges posed by avian influenza and safeguarding the health and well-being of both animals and humans.
