As a fallout to the first reporting of HPAI from Australia in migratory birds, In an aggressive move to insulate the domestic food supply from global biosecurity pressures, Australia’s largest poultry producer, Ingham’s Group, has placed all of its Western Australian breeding, growing and processing infrastructure under strict operational lockdown.
At this moment, there are No Reports of Avian Influenza from any commercial poultry farms or even backyard chicken but this move represents ample precaution in view of the first reporting of HPAI from Australia.
Why Close Operations
The decision follows confirmation from the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness that a second wild migratory seabird—a northern giant petrel—has tested positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza (clade 2.3.4.4b) near Esperance. This follows closely on the heels of a brown skua testing positive on the same stretch of coastline, officially breaching Australia’s historic status as the final continent untouched by the global H5N1 wildlife pandemic.
Preemptive Biosecurity Isolation
While federal and state agricultural authorities emphasise that there is absolutely no evidence of infection in commercial poultry networks, Ingham’s moved rapidly to intercept potential transmission pathways.
The company’s primary Western Australian production clusters are situated in the regions north of Perth—including Muchea, Gingin, and Mogumber. Although these operations sit nearly 700 to 770 kilometers away from the wild bird detection site in Cape Le Grand National Park, the company implemented a preventative maximum-security protocol:
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Zero Non-Essential Foot Traffic: All processing facilities and grower sheds are locked down to external visitors, restricting entry solely to mandatory husbandry and veterinary personnel under rigorous sanitization loops.
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Securing Emergency Housing Orders: Ingham’s has formally requested a regional housing order from the Australian Government’s Chief Veterinary Officer. If approved, this directive will legally allow the company to move its Western Australian free-range poultry flocks indoors to eliminate any air or water contact with passing wild birds.
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Supply Line Protections: To shield itself from labeling liabilities while birds are kept indoors, Ingham’s has activated an existing exemption order with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), ensuring free-range product supply lines and labelling integrity remain intact during biosecurity emergencies.
