In a disheartening turn of events, Australia’s battle against avian influenza has suffered a significant setback. Merely days after the nation celebrated the eradication of a highly contagious strain of bird flu, a new outbreak has been detected, casting a shadow over the recent victory.
The unwelcome news arrived shortly after the federal government’s announcement to the World Organisation for Animal Health on 6 February, confidently declaring Australia free from the H7 avian influenza. This declaration marked the end of what was considered the ‘most significant avian disease incident’ the country had faced to date, with no new detections since July 2024 across Victoria, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory.
The eradication was a crucial step towards re-engaging trading partners and lifting any remaining trade restrictions that had been imposed due to the previous year’s outbreaks.
However, the newfound optimism was short-lived. On 8 February, the Victorian Department of Agriculture reported a fresh outbreak of the high pathogenicity H7N8 strain at a poultry farm in the northern part of the state. This strain, distinct from the ones that had affected Victorian poultry farms in the past and different from the H5N1 strain causing havoc in the US and elsewhere, has prompted swift action from local authorities.
To contain the spread of the virus, the Euroa farm is now under quarantine. All 76,000 chickens on the property will be destroyed in the coming weeks. A five-kilometre quarantine zone has also been established around the farm, as well as a control area in the eastern portion of the Strathbogie Shire. The staff are on-site to control the outbreak and investigate further.
These measures are critical in preventing the virus from reaching other farms and wild bird populations.
Acting Chief Veterinarian Cameron Bell noted that despite strong biosecurity measures, the infection—likely spread by wild birds—has taken hold. However, the farm has responded swiftly to contain the outbreak.
The Victorian Department of Agriculture has also reassured the public that the risk of bird flu transmission to humans remains minimal and that eggs and poultry products in supermarkets are safe to consume, but the impact on egg supplies could be significant.
Despite these assurances, the economic impact of the outbreak is already being felt. The 2024 outbreak had already taken a toll on the poultry supply, as thousands of birds were culled to eliminate the disease from properties.
This led to a significant increase in egg and poultry prices, a trend that is expected to continue in the wake of this new outbreak. The combination of high seasonal demand, the lingering effects of bird flu, and stringent industry guidelines has resulted in a national egg shortage, putting additional pressure on both producers and consumers.
To prepare for a potential egg crisis, here are a few tips:
1. Diversify your protein sources. Consider incorporating more beans, lentils, tofu, and other protein-rich foods into your diet.
2. Explore egg alternatives. For baking, try using applesauce, mashed bananas, or commercial egg replacers.
3. Buy local. Support your local farmers and small businesses who may not be affected by the outbreak.
4. Stay informed. Keep up with the latest news on the outbreak and any potential impacts on food supplies.
As Australia grapples with this unexpected resurgence of bird flu, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in managing animal diseases and the importance of robust biosecurity measures. It also highlights the delicate balance between public health, animal welfare, and the economic stability of the agricultural sector.
If you have any thoughts or experiences related to the bird flu’s impact on your community or food supply, we invite you to share them with your fellow YourLifeChoices readers in the comments below. Your insights are valuable as we continue to monitor this evolving situation and its effects on our daily lives.
Also read: With all this bird flu around, how safe are eggs, chicken or milk?
