World · East Asia & Pacific · 4 hrs ago
Victoria lifts poultry lockdown despite bird flu spread in wildlife
Victoria is ending a 10-week poultry lockdown in metropolitan Melbourne and southern parts of the state.
The order required flocks of 50 or more birds to stay indoors or be confined.
H5N1 bird flu is still spreading among wildlife, with 234 confirmed events in Victorian wildlife, but it has not been detected in poultry or livestock.
Agriculture Victoria said it considered animal welfare and forecasts of hotter-than-average temperatures when easing the rules.
Farmers are being urged to keep birds away from wild birds and watch for signs of illness, since reducing contact can lower the risk of disease.
Authorities will keep monitoring the risk and can bring back housing rules if circumstances change.
Victoria is ending a poultry housing order in its southern and coastal areas despite H5N1 continuing to spread among wildlife.
The order, which applied to flocks of 50 or more birds, had been in place since early August.
Agriculture Victoria said animal welfare and forecast hotter-than-average temperatures were considered in the decision.
H5N1 has not been detected in poultry or livestock in Australia, according to the article.
Authorities will keep monitoring the disease and may reintroduce controls if circumstances change.
- Who
- Agriculture Victoria is lifting the order for poultry owners in affected parts of Victoria.
- What
- A housing order for flocks of 50 or more birds is ending.
- When
- 16 October 2026.
- Where
- Metropolitan Melbourne and southern parts of Victoria, including coastal areas.
- Why
- Animal welfare concerns and forecast hotter-than-average temperatures were considered. H5N1 continues to spread among wildlife.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Victoria introduced the housing order for poultry flocks of 50 or more birds in metropolitan Melbourne and southern parts of the state.
Victoria lifted the order after 10 weeks, while wildlife infections continued to be reported.
- Affected flocks
- 50 or more birds
- Lockdown duration
- 10 weeks
- Wildlife cases
- 234 confirmed H5N1 events in Victoria
- Poultry and livestock
- H5N1 had not been detected
- Monitoring
- Authorities may reintroduce controls if circumstances change
What people are saying
Reducing contact between poultry and wild birds remains one of the most effective ways to lower the risk of disease
We will continue monitoring the risk closely and retain the ability to introduce additional controls if circumstances change.
Strong biosecurity practices remain our best defence to reducing the risk of disease outbreaks, such as H5.