Australia’s poultry industry remains on high alert as authorities monitor a potential bird flu outbreak with seven detected cases nationwide so far. The threat comes as America continues to battle a devastating outbreak that has seen more than 130 million birds culled since H5 hit the United States in 2022, causing egg prices to jump 200 per cent and creating widespread shortages from coast to coast.
Industry Preparedness and Government Response
With 24 million egg-laying hens and hundreds of millions more chickens raised and processed for meat across Australia, supermarkets, fast food retailers and shoppers are all asking the same question: are we ready if this outbreak escalates? “We’ve certainly learnt a lot from what we’ve seen overseas,” Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said. Australia is no stranger to bird flu disruptions. In 2024, the nation saw empty shelves and carton limits after two million birds were culled due to the H7 strain.
Current Cases and Risks
Retailers are now receiving regular briefings on H5, with cases of the new strain detected so far only in migratory birds. The real concern emerges if they infect local animals. “Tricky to try and predict the spread through wild birds as they fly over different areas,” said Professor Raina Macintyre, from the University of New South Wales. Free range chickens have been brought inside or under cover.
Preventive Measures for Farmers and Backyard Owners
Australian farmers have been instructed to bring free-range chickens inside or under cover, away from wild birds. A 14-day exemption allowing eggs to still be labelled free-range is likely to be extended. Historically, any bird flu outbreak on a farm in Australia results in all birds on that property being culled. “It depends on essentially the panel of experts making decisions about whether or not we can eradicate or whether we need to manage,” Collins said.
Backyard chicken owners are also being urged to take precautions, keeping their chooks clear from wildlife. “If you’ve got a pen that you can put netting around, it’s probably a good stamp,” said Dr Sam Haynes, from Sydney Animal Hospitals. The other important thing is making sure if you can that their food and drink is kept covered up because they can also become contaminated by wild birds.
Safety and Consumer Advice
Authorities stress that no human has ever caught bird flu from properly cooked meat or eggs.
