Australian Eggs is supporting the Australian Government in responding to a detection of H5 avian influenza (AI) in a wild migratory shorebird on the south coast of Western Australia.
The Australian Government along with the domestic poultry industries have been preparing for the detection of the H5 strain in Australia for several years and are well positioned to respond to the situation.
"The early detection of H5 avian influenza in Australia in a wild migratory bird is a good indication that the biosecurity systems in place to protect Australia's agriculture are working," said Australian Eggs Managing Director, Rowan McMonnies.
"The most important step at this time is the expanded surveillance that was immediately put in place by authorities. We do not yet know if this detection is isolated to migratory birds arriving in remote Western Australia, or if it has been transferred to domestic species."
"This picture will start to build in the coming weeks and will determine the extent of the threat to Australian wildlife and poultry industries."
"At this early stage, egg production remains unaffected and Australians continue to consumer over 20 million each day."
"Consumers should be reassured that despite this detection of H5 AI in Australia, eggs are safe to eat and do not pose a risk to health", added McMonnies.
