Poultry farmers concerned about local bird flu spread

Claire Fuller, who runs a family farm on the Fleurieu Peninsula, is worried about the potential impact of H5 bird flu on her pasture-raised hens following the confirmation of its local spread in South Australia.

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We are concerned about bird flu, being a poultry farm.

"We are concerned about bird flu, being a poultry farm," Fuller stated. She emphasized that her focus is on what is within her control, particularly biosecurity. Measures include monitoring farm access, limiting who collects eggs, and securing water sources to prevent wild birds from mingling with her hens. "The wild birds don't come in and can't access water freely, or food, which means they have less need to come in and visit and mingle with the hens," she explained.

Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins confirmed that H5 bird flu has been transmitted locally among greater crested terns in South Australia, with further spread anticipated. Although the strain has not yet been detected in domestic poultry, producers remain vigilant. Fuller highlighted the severe consequences of an outbreak on her farm, estimating it would lead to business closure for at least 12 months due to quarantine and testing requirements.

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The wild birds don't come in and can't access water freely, or food, which means they have less need to come in and visit and mingle with the hens.

In Robe, on the Limestone Coast, where infected terns were found, the local sentiment is one of cautious awareness rather than alarm. Maris Biezaitis, owner of Robe Town Brewery, described the situation as "business as usual" for now. He expressed confidence that authorities are managing the situation but acknowledged the potential for devastation if the virus were to spread to mammals like sea lions, or to poultry or humans inland. "If it spread and jumped into mammals like the sea lions off the coast, or poultry inland, or even humans, that would probably be devastating to Robe," Biezaitis said.

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For now things are just business as usual.

The Victorian Farmers Federation egg group president, Brian Ahmed, noted that the spread in South Australia was not surprising, as the virus moves closer to Victoria. While no cases have been detected in Victoria yet, the proximity raises concerns for the state's agricultural industry.

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If it spread and jumped into mammals like the sea lions off the coast, or poultry inland, or even humans, that would probably be devastating to Robe.