Australasia is on high alert as bird flu takes hold Down Under. Confirmed cases among wild birds have sent shockwaves through the country's commercial poultry industry, fuelling fears of a devastating outbreak that could send egg prices soaring – potentially above £10 a carton in some UK supermarkets. The stark warning comes after US prices rose by 220% in early 2025, following widespread outbreaks.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has reported 'unprecedented levels of ongoing outbreaks' worldwide, with a staggering 140 million farmed birds succumbing to the H5 variant since January last year. As Australia grapples with this developing crisis, its agriculture department warns that the virus can spread to poultry from wild birds, as well as via contaminated clothing, equipment, or vehicles.
Poultry farms in Australia are taking precautions, with Ingham's Group, the country's largest producer, implementing a 'complete lockdown' in Western Australia. Egg producers in South Australia have also taken steps to prevent the spread of the virus. However, experts warn that even with these measures in place, a national response could be triggered if an outbreak occurs – potentially requiring mass culling.
Australia's Department of Agriculture has been working closely with the poultry industry to develop a comprehensive plan to mitigate the risk of bird flu spreading among commercial flocks. While the country's biosecurity protocols are considered robust, many are watching nervously as this crisis unfolds in one of its key agricultural sectors.