New restrictions on Victorian poultry and poultry by-products entering the US will have limited impact on the local industry, a peak group says.
The order was prompted by an avian influenza outbreak on two farms in Victoria’s south-west operated by Avgo and Surf Coast Eggs Farms.
More than 500,000 chickens were culled after cases of H7N3 were detected at the properties at Meredith and Terang that share management, staff and machinery.
On Saturday, the US Department of Agriculture imposed restrictions on avian products originating or transiting through Victoria as of 22 May.
The restrictions apply to certain fresh poultry products, commercial birds, hatching eggs, by-products and several other bird products.
Any imports to the US of processed products must have a permit or government certification confirming they were treated in line with Department of Agriculture guidelines.
We have issued a housing requirement for all birds within the movement control zones around Meredith and Terang.
All poultry farmers, backyard flock and bird owners must house birds enclosed in cages or sheds.
Report sick or dead birds to 1800 266 266 👉 https://t.co/bq6qMabTvC pic.twitter.com/DvVS8eyc4t
— Agriculture Victoria (@VicGovAg) May 24, 2024
The Australian Chicken Meat Federation chief executive, Mary Wu, said the restrictions would not have a big impact on the local meat industry but would likely affect related poultry products such as rendered proteins and pet food.
“The direct impact of the US trade restrictions will be very limited as Australia does not export fresh chicken meat to the US,” Wu said.
She said the federation was working to restore trade with the US “at the earliest opportunity” by working closely with Australian and American authorities.
No restrictions have been placed on bird products from other Australian states.
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The Victorian Farmers Federation president and egg farmer Danyel Cucinotta said export restrictions were never good news for farmers but the federation was focused on containing the spread on local farms.
Cucinotta estimated the outbreak and related cull could rob retailers of 450,000 eggs a day and said it could take between six months to three years for the affected farms to return to normal production.
An Aldi spokesperson told AAP customers might notice small gaps on shelves in some stores while Woolworths said it did not expect the outbreak to affect its supply.
The US has also placed restrictions on bird products from other areas with flu outbreaks including parts of Japan and Canada.
Pet or zoo birds, pigeons and doves can still be imported from Victoria under a US government permit, but will be quarantined for 30 days in New York or Miami.
