Immediate action must be taken to protect Victoria’s poultry industry and regional communities after it a Victorian fox was the state’s first recorded case of H5 bird flu found in a mammal.
The confirmation is a serious new development that could have significant ramifications for other species in Victoria with authorities also investigating a suspected case in a dolphin.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture Emma Kealy said the detection showed the outbreak was continuing to evolve and Victoria could not afford to become complacent.
“This outbreak is changing, and Victoria’s response needs to stay ahead of it,” Ms Kealy said.
“The detection of H5 bird flu in a mammal is another warning that we need the strongest possible surveillance, biosecurity and response measures in place.
“Victoria has a significant poultry and egg industry supporting regional jobs, businesses and our food supply. We need to do everything possible to keep this disease out of commercial farms.”
Hundreds of infections have been confirmed in wild birds across Victoria, including in western Victoria, and concerns raised by poultry producers about compliance with measures designed to protect domestic flocks.
Ms Kealy said farmers were doing their part and needed confidence the Labor Government was doing everything possible to protect the industry.
“Biosecurity only works when everyone does their part,” Ms Kealy said.
“Labor needs to be absolutely clear about how its poultry housing and biosecurity requirements are being monitored and enforced, and whether Agriculture Victoria and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has the people and resources it needs as this outbreak develops.
“This isn’t about creating unnecessary alarm. It is about recognising the risk early and acting before we have an outbreak in a commercial poultry operation.
“Once a disease gets through the farm gate, the consequences can be devastating for farmers, animals, regional jobs and food production.
“Labor cannot wait for a commercial outbreak before deciding its response needs to be strengthened.
“The Liberals and Nationals understand that strong biosecurity protects our farmers, our food supply and our regional economy. We will always back the people who produce our food and make sure agriculture gets the protection and priority it deserves.”
