Australian state introduces mandatory housing measures after virus spreads among wild birds in several new locations
MELBOURNE: Australia’s Victoria state will require poultry producers to keep birds indoors as authorities intensify efforts to contain increasing detections of H5N1 avian influenza among wildlife, Australian media reported on Friday.
The measure makes Victoria the first Australian jurisdiction to introduce a mandatory poultry housing order in response to the outbreak.
Under the new rules, anyone keeping more than 50 birds must house them indoors. The order expands an existing voluntary measure and will initially remain in effect for 14 days while authorities monitor developments.
Victoria Agriculture Minister Michaela Settle described the decision as a “proactive, precautionary measure” designed to prevent domesticated birds from encountering potentially infected wildlife.
New wildlife detections trigger stronger response
Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Graeme Cook said authorities strengthened precautions following new detections in Yambuk, Apollo Bay and Clyde, indicating that the virus had reached additional areas.
Meanwhile, Australian Chief Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson confirmed another 20 positive detections in Victoria. Testing identified the virus in greater crested terns around Portland and Nelson.
According to ABC News, Australia has now recorded 175 confirmed or presumed positive H5 bird flu detections based on tested samples.
However, authorities have not detected the virus in commercial poultry or elsewhere in Australia’s agricultural production system.
Human health risk remains very low
Officials stressed that the current risk to humans remains very low despite the growing number of wildlife infections.
Nevertheless, authorities continue monitoring wild bird populations and agricultural operations to reduce the possibility of transmission into poultry farms.
Furthermore, concerns about the outbreak have already affected public events. Organisers of the Royal Adelaide Show cancelled bird and poultry exhibitions scheduled for next month as a precaution.
Australian authorities are expected to review Victoria’s mandatory housing order after the initial 14-day period and determine whether additional restrictions are required.
The latest measures reflect growing efforts to protect commercial poultry while health and agricultural agencies track the spread of H5N1 among Australia’s wild bird populations.
