Avian Influenza (“bird flu”) is an infectious disease of birds which has been found in some parts of Asia and Europe, attracting widespread media attention. Bartter Enterprises, along with The Australian Chicken Meat Federation (ACMF) and Australia’s other major chicken meat producers, have worked with the Australian government for some time on preparations for avian flu and planning for how we would respond if avian flu were to enter Australia. At present:

    * As Australian chickens are free from avian flu there is no risk of catching it from birds. Past outbreaks of various strains of avian flu in Australia have been successfully eradicated from poultry without any impact on consumers, industry workers or food supply.
    * The Australian government is well prepared for an outbreak of avian flu in either birds or humans, with well-developed response plans in place.
    * Our biosecurity arrangements will be key to keeping our birds healthy and isolated from other birds, both domesticated and wild. These are backed by the Australian government’s excellent record on quarantine and stringent disease control measures.

What is the Australian chicken meat industry doing about the threat of avian flu?
The chicken meat industry is well placed to deal with any emergency disease outbreak, including avian flu. The industry is committed to undertake whatever precautionary measures are needed to prevent outbreaks.

A well thought-through system is in place, which has proven its worth in quickly bringing previous outbreaks of Newcastle disease and various strains of avian flu under control and eradicating them. Measures include:

    * Robust biosecurity systems on all chicken farms and associated operations.
    * Helping fund, develop and maintain a national emergency animal disease response capability, including training industry people for their part in any response.
    * A formal agreement between the Australian Government, the States and Territories and the chicken meat industry about strategies, responsibilities and cost sharing in case of an emergency disease response.

You can read more on Australia's preparedness by visiting:

The Australian Chicken Meat Federation

National Pests and Disease Outbreaks