MELBOURNE, Australia — The Victorian Government has issued a mandatory 14-day poultry housing control order across high-risk regions following confirmed detections of the highly contagious H5N1 avian influenza strain in native land-based wildlife and urban bird populations.
Key Details at a Glance
- Mandatory Order: All commercial poultry producers and bird keepers with 50 or more birds must house their flocks indoors or strictly isolate them from wild birds.
- Affected Regions: Metropolitan Melbourne, key coastal LGAs (including Clyde, Apollo Bay, Yambuk, Portland, and Nelson), and designated surrounding locations of concern.
- Commercial Status: Zero cases have been detected in commercial poultry or agricultural supply systems.
- Human Risk: Health risk to the public remains very low, with no threat to commercially sold eggs or chicken.
A Strategic Biosecurity Shield
The proactive order, enacted by Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Graeme Cooke and Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle, creates an immediate physical barrier between domestic poultry and wild bird populations carrying the virus.
The intervention follows testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), which confirmed that H5N1—initially identified in wild coastal seabirds like greater crested terns—has crossed over into land-based and shorebird species. Confirmed detections now include native species such as a magpie and a silver gull, signalling the virus’s movement into terrestrial ecosystems.
“Reducing contact between poultry and wild birds is one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of disease entering a flock,” said Dr. Graeme Cooke, Victorian Chief Veterinary Officer. “This housing requirement provides an additional layer of protection in areas of increased risk.”
Protecting Supply Chains & Free-Range Producers
A primary objective of the proactive lockdown is safeguarding Victoria’s egg and poultry meat supply from supply chain disruptions and price spikes.
Under temporary biosecurity dispensations, free-range egg producers required to bring their hens indoors will retain their free-range labelling status throughout the housing order. This guarantees farm business continuity while maintaining retail availability for consumers.
Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle emphasised the preventative nature of the directive:
“We’re acting early to protect Victoria’s poultry industry and help keep eggs and poultry affordable and available. We’ll keep working closely with industry and responding as the situation evolves
Industry peak bodies, including the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), backed the action, describing the housing directive as a logical precaution to safeguard Australian agriculture.
Wildlife Detections & Containment Areas
While coastal areas near Portland and Nelson recorded initial wildlife detections, recent confirmed cases in Yambuk, Apollo Bay, and Clyde prompted expanded containment measures across Victoria’s southern corridor.
Authorities emphasise that the H5N1 strain is distinct from the H7 bird flu strains previously managed on Victorian farms. Food safety agencies confirm that standard, commercially processed poultry and pasteurised dairy products remain completely safe for public consumption.
Biosecurity Requirements for Bird Owners
Agriculture Victoria advises all flock owners—from commercial facilities to semi-rural smallholders—in the target zones to follow strict biosecurity protocols:
- Enclosure & Housing: Secure all birds inside sheds, fully enclosed aviaries, or netted runs to prevent contact with wild birds.
- Protect Feed & Water: Enclose feed troughs and water supplies to prevent contamination from wild bird droppings.
- Hygiene Controls: Disinfect footwear, equipment, and vehicles before entering bird enclosures.
- Avoid Wildlife Contact: Do not touch or handle sick or dead wild animals.
Reporting Protocols: Anyone who observes unexplained deaths or signs of illness in domestic flocks or wild birds should take photos or video (if safe), record the precise location, and immediately call the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or report online at agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu.