Victoria ends 10-week poultry lockdown as heat threat outweighs bird flu risk
Hot weather prompted Victoria to end a 10-week indoor poultry lockdown.
Victoria's agriculture department ended an order keeping all poultry flocks over 50 birds indoors. The rule had been in place for 10 weeks.
The rule was meant to stop H5N1 bird flu from spreading from wild birds to farms. Hot summer weather created a welfare risk for confined flocks, prompting the decision.
H5N1 continues circulating in wild animals. Victoria has recorded 245 cases, with 712 confirmed nationwide.
The disease has not yet appeared in any poultry or livestock. Farmers are urged to maintain strong biosecurity practices.
They should monitor for sick birds and stay alert to disease signs on their properties.
- 10 weeks
- Duration of lockdown
- 245
- H5N1 cases in Victoria
- 712
- Nationwide H5N1 cases
- Over 50 birds
- Flock size threshold
Why it mattersThe decision balances disease prevention against animal welfare. It signals authorities believe the risk of direct bird-to-poultry spread is now lower.
AustraliaVictorian poultry producers can now let flocks outdoors again; consumers should not expect price changes, as no bird flu has reached Australian farms.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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