Bird Flu Detection Prompts Papua New Guinea to Ban Australian Chicken and Egg Imports

Papua New Guinea has halted imports of Australian poultry and eggs following the confirmation of the H5N1 bird flu virus in wild birds in Western Australia. The National Agriculture and Quarantine Inspection Authority in PNG announced the suspension on Monday, impacting Australia's largest overseas customer for chicken meat.

This suspension significantly affects Australian exports, as PNG purchases approximately half of the country's total chicken meat exports. In the 2023-24 financial year, Australian chicken meat exports reached a record $133 million, with the majority destined for Pacific and Southeast Asian markets. Egg and egg product exports also represent a substantial market, totaling $15.76 million in the 2022-23 financial year.

The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) confirmed the suspension, which follows the detection of the H5N1 avian influenza strain in two wild birds near Esperance, Western Australia. Other dead birds in South Australia and Western Australia are also undergoing testing.

Despite the detection in wild birds, Australian authorities maintain that the country remains free from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry, adhering to World Organisation for Animal Health international standards. They assert there is no evidence that the virus has spread to domestic poultry or become established within Australia. DAFF is actively engaging with PNG authorities to address the situation, with some affected consignments expected to be returned to Australia.