Australian poultry farmers fear the spread of avian influenza.

A virus introduced by migratory seabirds from sub-Antarctic regions has been spreading across mainland Australia since June. In addition to avian species, infection cases have been recorded in a number of mammals, including dolphins, foxes, and seals. In some areas, particularly in Port MacDonnell, high mortality rates have been observed among wild birds, such as crested terns.

The situation causes particular concern among poultry farmers who fear the transmission of the infection to domestic flocks. Free-range farms are considered most vulnerable due to the birds' direct contact with the external environment. Farmers note the risks of infection even through contaminated pasture areas, where mobile enclosures are moved to provide the livestock with fresh grass.

Experts from the University of Adelaide, Farhid Hemmatzadeh, emphasize that a virus outbreak at a single farm can have large-scale consequences for the industry. Past experience shows that when a disease is detected, farms are closed for more than a year, and losses are measured in hundreds of thousands of poultry. To prevent such scenarios, enterprises are implementing strict protocols: washing and disinfection of transport, mandatory sanitary treatment of staff and visitors, as well as 24-hour monitoring of flock health using digital technologies.

The issue of separating production processes is also becoming critical. For example, locating a slaughterhouse directly on the farm premises creates additional risks due to the movement of personnel. The authorities of the state of Victoria have already introduced mandatory indoor housing for poultry farms with more than 50 heads. In South Australia, such measures are still voluntary. However, poultry farmers point out the difficulties of this approach: keeping birds accustomed to freedom in closed boxes creates problems for their welfare and can negatively affect the quality of the products for which the consumer pays.