The Mornington Peninsula poultry industry faces heightened biosecurity concerns after a CSIRO scientist warned H5 bird flu could cause devastating losses if it enters Australia’s commercial flocks.
No H5 bird flu infections have been detected in Australian poultry or the wider agricultural production system. However, the warning has particular relevance for the Mornington Peninsula, where the virus has already been confirmed in wild birds.
According to information currently published by Mornington Peninsula Shire, the municipality has 72 broiler farms containing 222 sheds capable of producing about seven million birds each batch.
Poultry Losses Could Mirror United States
Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness scientist Dr Frank Wong said genetic similarities had been identified between the virus circulating in the United States and the H5 strain affecting wildlife across the Southern Hemisphere.
More than 200 million poultry have been lost across the United States and Puerto Rico since the outbreak began in 2022, according to figures cited by Australian Associated Press.
Dr Wong warned that a similar scale of mortality could affect Australia’s poultry industry if the virus became established in commercial flocks.
“Chickens in general are very susceptible to highly pathogenic bird flu viruses,” Dr Wong said.
He urged poultry producers to strengthen biosecurity and minimise interactions between wild birds and commercial flocks.
Dr Debbie Eagles, also from the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, said poultry vaccines had been used during previous outbreaks, including vaccines manufactured in Australia.
However, no poultry vaccine is currently being manufactured in Australia.
The growing threat has already affected agricultural events. The Melbourne Royal Show cancelled its 2026 poultry competition after consulting Agriculture Victoria and the state’s Chief Veterinary Officer.
H5 Bird Flu Confirmed On Mornington Peninsula
H5 bird flu was first confirmed on the Mornington Peninsula at St Andrews Beach on 12 August.
Agriculture Victoria subsequently confirmed the virus in a crested tern found at Dromana on 15 August.
The local detections place wild birds carrying the virus within the same municipality as one of Victoria’s significant poultry-producing areas.
Western Port Biosphere Foundation chief executive Mel Barker previously said in a press release that the virus presented both environmental and economic risks for the region.
“The implications for our region are not only the potential devastation of wildlife populations, but also economic,” Ms Barker said.
The Biosphere Foundation specifically identified the Peninsula’s poultry industry as one of the sectors at risk. Its earlier warning urged residents to report sick or dead wildlife to help authorities monitor the virus’s spread.
Housing Requirement Covers Peninsula Poultry Flocks
Agriculture Victoria introduced a temporary housing requirement covering poultry flocks of 50 or more birds within Mornington Peninsula Shire and other coastal and southern municipalities.
Affected poultry owners and businesses must house or confine their birds to reduce contact with wild birds, wildlife and contaminated environments. The initial requirement was scheduled to remain in place until at least 21 August, subject to further advice.
The Australian Government recommends that poultry producers:
- Prevent contact between poultry and wild birds.
- Cover or protect feed and water sources.
- Clean and disinfect vehicles, equipment and footwear.
- Limit visitors entering poultry areas.
- Quarantine new birds before introducing them to a flock.
- Monitor birds for sudden illness, deaths or reduced egg production.
Any unexplained illness or deaths among commercial poultry, backyard chickens or pet birds should be reported immediately through the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Agriculture Victoria maintains that the risk to human health remains low. Properly handled and cooked chicken meat and eggs remain safe to eat.
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