Melbourne Royal Show cancels poultry exhibits due to H5 bird flu spread

The Melbourne Royal Show has announced the cancellation of all poultry exhibitions and competitions for 2026, citing the ongoing spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus. This precautionary measure aims to protect the health and well-being of the Victorian poultry community.

The decision comes shortly after the Victorian government revealed its intention to vaccinate the wild population of little penguins on Phillip Island against the highly pathogenic avian influenza. While there are currently no confirmed detections of H5N1 in Australian poultry, event organizers stated that the unpredictable nature of the situation necessitates this step to provide certainty to exhibitors.

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Melbourne Royal is taking this precautionary step to protect the health and wellbeing of the Victorian poultry community.

This is not the first time bird flu has impacted the show; poultry exhibits were also canceled in 2024 due to an H7 bird flu outbreak. The Melbourne Royal committee expressed appreciation for the effort exhibitors put into preparing for the show and conveyed their hope to welcome birds back in 2027.

Concerns about the bird flu situation had been mounting, particularly with several other poultry shows scheduled across regional Victoria. The Royal Adelaide Show has also canceled its bird competitions ahead of its upcoming event due to similar concerns.

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Whilst there are currently no detections of H5N1 in Australian poultry, the situation is not predictable and, as such, we want to give our community as much certainty as possible.