Avian Influenza

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:27): I seek leave to make a brief explanation prior to addressing a question to the Minister for Primary Industries regarding avian influenza. We will see if she answers.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: It's understood that the H7N3 strain of avian influenza is continuing to spread across poultry farms in regional Victoria. It is already affecting egg supply and egg pricing, which has a knock-on effect on food manufacturing and supermarket trolley inflation. I was on the public record last year, talking about the increased risks of disease, particularly viral infections such as avian influenza, in the free-range setting and the risk that a rapid phase-out of caged eggs into free range could have impacts on the production of eggs and their cost at the supermarket. According to the RSPCA's own website, they state, and I quote:

As consumer demand increases for free-range eggs and poultry including layer hens, meat chickens and turkeys, there is the potential for free-ranging birds to come into contact, either directly or indirectly, with wild waterfowl. These wild waterfowl can act as a constant source of avian influenza, carrying the virus in their nasal and eye discharge and faeces.

It's important to note that barn-laid eggs are laid by hens that are housed in large climate-controlled sheds without cages. The hens are able to roam freely within the shed, socialising and perching without the threat of outdoor predators and exposure to the elements. My questions to the Minister are:

1. Does the minister concede that an increase in free-range supply leads to an increased risk in the vulnerability of free-range flocks from disease incursions via wild birds potentially carrying diseases such as avian influenza?

2. Will the minister advocate for barn-laid eggs over free range, which allows for increased movement and more natural behaviour compared to caged but does not have the degree of exotic disease risk that is seen with free range and, if not, why not?

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Mr Hunter, are you going to answer the question?

The Hon. I.K. Hunter interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Between you, one of you can answer the question.

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:30): I thank the honourable member for her question. I think I did speak recently in this place about the detection so far and, concerningly, of course, they are continuing. The situation does, however, remain dynamic and is changing all the time, so it is not unexpected to see further detections in areas known to be affected. It is important to say that there have been no HPAI detections in South Australian poultry.

Avian influenza is a highly infectious disease caused by influenza A viruses capable of infecting birds and mammals, including humans. Strains are described as low pathogenicity (LPAI), or high pathogenicity (HPAI). HPAI infections can result in severe symptoms and up to 100 per cent mortality in domestic poultry. It is very important that we are all aware, however, that eggs and poultry products from the supermarket are safe to consume, provided they are handled and cooked according to standard food handling practices.

Agriculture Victoria is responding to the outbreaks in Victoria with the aim of eradicating the disease by depopulation. Controls are in place within restricted areas and broader control area buffer zones established around the infected farms which have been quarantined. A housing requirement for all birds within restricted areas and controlled areas has been issued, with movement permits required for all poultry premises within these areas.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions maintains ongoing communications with the key poultry industry representatives and notification of poultry producers and veterinarians regarding the current situation and the importance of enhanced biosecurity and early reporting. I am glad to say that the $6.8 million in funding announced by this state government in December 2022, to enhance the preparedness for emergency animal disease outbreaks, is assisting the department to support industry, the government and the community to prepare for potential impacts to both domestic and wild bird populations.

I am advised that consumers can be assured that there are still hundreds of egg farms around the country collecting, packing and shipping eggs every day to maintain supply while the impacted farms recover. While some supermarkets have introduced product limits to help maintain the availability of eggs, there are, I am advised, many eggs on the shelves but they may not be the usual brand. In terms of the particular styles of poultry raising, there is a mixture here in South Australia, and there are pros and cons to the various types, and business decisions are made by those businesses as to which type of farm eggs to use.