US orders restrictions on Victorian poultry after bird flu outbreak, but industry expects limited impact
New restrictions on Victorian poultry and poultry by-products entering the US will have limited impact on the local industry, a peak group says.
The order was prompted by an outbreak of bird flu on two farms in south-west Victoria operated by Avgo and Surf Coast Eggs Farms.
More than 500,000 chickens were culled after cases of H7N3 were discovered at properties in Meredith and Terang, where management, staff and machinery are shared.
On Saturday, the US Department of Agriculture imposed restrictions on bird products originating in or transiting through Victoria from May 22.
The restrictions apply to certain fresh poultry products, commercial birds, hatching eggs, by-products and various other bird products.
Any import of processed products into the US must have a permit or government certification confirming that they have been handled in accordance with Department of Agriculture guidelines.
We have issued a housing requirement for all birds within the movement control zones around Meredith and Terang.
All poultry farmers, backyard flock owners and bird owners should house birds in cages or sheds.
Report sick or dead birds via 1800 266 266 👉 https://t.co/bq6qMabTvC pic.twitter.com/DvVS8eyc4t
— Agriculture Victoria (@VicGovAg) May 24, 2024
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We have issued a housing requirement for all birds within the movement control zones around Meredith and Terang.
All poultry farmers, backyard flock owners and bird owners should house birds in cages or sheds.
Report sick or dead birds via 1800 266 266 👉 https://t.co/bq6qMabTvC pic.twitter.com/DvVS8eyc4t
— Agriculture Victoria (@VicGovAg) May 24, 2024
Australian Chicken Meat Federation CEO Mary Wu said the restrictions would not have a major impact on the local meat industry, but would likely impact related poultry products such as rendered egg whites and pet food.
“The direct impact of the US trade restrictions will be very limited as Australia does not export fresh chicken meat to the US,” Wu said.
She said the federation was working to restore trade with the US “as quickly as possible” by working closely with Australian and US authorities.
There are no restrictions placed on bird products from other Australian states.
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Victorian Farmers Federation president and egg farmer Danyel Cucinotta said export restrictions were never good news for farmers but the federation was focused on containing the spread on local farms.
Cucinotta estimated that the outbreak and related cull could deprive retailers of 450,000 eggs a day and said it could take six months to three years for affected farms to return to normal production.
An Aldi spokesperson said AAP customers might notice small gaps on shelves in some stores, while Woolworths said it did not expect the outbreak to affect supply.
The U.S. has also placed restrictions on bird products from other areas where flu outbreaks occur, including parts of Japan and Canada.
Pet or zoo birds, pigeons and doves can still be imported from Victoria under a U.S. government permit, but will be quarantined in New York or Miami for 30 days.