Bird flu crisis: Australian outbreak spreads to ACT poultry farm

A case of bird flu has been confirmed at a poultry farm in the Australian Capital Territory, making it the 11th farm in Australia to be infected with the virus.

Tests showed the property had tested positive for the virus strain that has hit eight farms in Victoria and two in NSW, requiring the destruction of a million chickens.

A quarantine order has been issued around the poultry farm, which will cover a 10 km radius around the affected area.

ACT Environment Minister Rebecca Vassarotti said the virus had been traced to one of the affected properties in NSW.

“The property has been cooperating with ACT government officials. “Enhanced biosecurity measures were implemented at the site prior to detection to minimize the risk of contact or spread,” she said.

A case of bird flu has been confirmed at an ACT poultry farm (stock image)

‘The ACT has been in regular consultation with industry on good biosecurity practices to reduce the risks of an outbreak of bird flu in the ACT.’

Woolworths customers have been limited to two cartons of eggs in one part of the country as the bird flu outbreak chokes off supplies.

A Woolworths spokeswoman said a two-pack purchase limit had been introduced in NSW, the ACT and Victoria to manage stock delays.

“Along with other retailers, we are expecting a short-term delay in stock from one of our egg suppliers in NSW, ACT and Victoria, due to the temporary closure of one of their packing sheds,” the spokeswoman said.

“Their supply is expected to recover over the next week as they ramp up operations at their other locations.”

Woolworths introduced a two-box limit in NSW, ACT and Victoria and Coles imposed similar restrictions earlier this month

Coles introduced a similar policy earlier in June.

NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the government was working closely with the ACT to manage the outbreak.

“ACT’s commercial egg farm is in lockdown with no produce, eggs or machinery allowed in or out, and the chickens on site will have to be depopulated,” Ms Moriarty said.

Ms Vassarotti tried to ensure ACT residents’ eggs were still safe to eat.

“I would like to reassure all Canberrans that bird flu rarely affects humans,” she said.

A quarantine order has been put in place around the ACT poultry farm, which will cover a 10 km radius around the affected location

‘Bird flu is not a problem for food safety. It is safe to continue eating poultry meat, eggs and egg products as long as they are handled and cooked properly.”

Victorian Agriculture Minister Ros Spence launched two mobile command centers on Thursday to help manage outbreaks in the state.

“Biosecurity emergencies can happen in any corner of our state and these new mobile incident command centers are vital in ensuring we can get our expertise to the scene as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Ms Spence said.