Source : Perth Now news
Hot weather has forced the Victorian agriculture authorities to relax chicken farm rules put in place to stop the spread of bird flu.
The order had been in place for all domestic and commercial poultry flocks of over 50 birds, across the entire southern half of the state.
The deadly H5N1 bird flu continues to spread in wild animals across the country, but has not yet been found in poultry or livestock.
Victorian Farmers Federation president Ryan Milgate said farmers keeping their flocks locked up had been a large undertaking.
“It’s been a huge joint effort to keep bird flu out of our commercial poultry industry, but we must not rest on our laurels and become complacent,” he said.
“All farmers are strongly encouraged to check their existing biosecurity measures, update them to address current threats, and monitor their properties for any sick or deceased birds or other unusual signs of illness.”
The Victorian orders forcing flocks to be locked up had been in place for 10 weeks, but on Friday the agriculture department said incoming hot weather would take precedence.
“Forecast hotter than average summer temperatures, together with animal welfare considerations support ending the temporary requirements,” a department spokesperson said.
“Poultry producers should continue to review their biosecurity plans, remain alert for signs of disease on or near their property and stay up to date with the latest advice.
“There have been no detections of H5 bird flu in Australian poultry or livestock, however the risk remains as detections occur in wildlife across the state.”
Authorities in Victoria have to date confirmed 245 cases of H5N1 in wildlife. Nationwide, the tally is 712, with the most being in South Australia.
Only Victoria ordered all flocks larger than 50 birds to be locked inside.
Victorian chief veterinary officer, Graeme Cooke, said stopping poultry from coming into contact with wild birds was still the best way to stop the H5N1 strain getting into a flock.
“We will continue monitoring the risk closely and retain the ability to introduce additional controls if circumstances change,” Dr Cooke said.
“We thank Victoria’s poultry owners in the affected areas for meeting the temporary housing requirement. While the requirement has ended poultry producers must maintain strong biosecurity practices as the seasonal conditions change.”
The vast majority of Victoria’s chicken meat production comes from the outer fringes of Melbourne. Much of the remaining 20 per cent comes from the Geelong region – as does about a quarter of the state’s chicken egg output.
The entire southern half of the country is forecast to see maximum temperatures above long term averages into November. Then the whole continent is forecast for a scorching summer driven by an exceptionally strong El Nino effect.
