In the wake of the avian influenza outbreak at the second poultry farm in New South Wales, Australia, the Egg Farmers Association and the Minister of Agriculture have urged consumers not to panic. Despite the mass culling of egg-laying hens and potential disruptions in the egg supply chain, consumers should still be able to find eggs if they wish to purchase them.
Last weekend, the second farm in New South Wales was found to be infected with the avian influenza virus, located within a biosecurity control zone in the Hawkesbury area. Meanwhile, in Victoria, seven farms have reported outbreaks of avian influenza, leading to the culling of up to a million chickens and ducks.
The strain of avian influenza found at the New South Wales farm differs from that in Victoria. To contain the outbreak, New South Wales authorities have also commenced culling 320,000 chickens.
On Monday, Rowan McMonnies, the head of the Egg Farmers Association, acknowledged that the extensive culling of egg-laying hens could disrupt the supply chain, causing potential minor inconveniences for consumers purchasing eggs. However, he emphasized that this does not mean eggs will be unavailable.
He told ABC Radio, “If you want eggs, you can still get them…perhaps you may not be able to get eggs every time as usual, but there will be plenty of egg supply during the winter.”
“Do not panic…These events have nothing to do with food safety. Eggs, chicken meat, and duck meat can all be safely consumed, and consumers need not worry.”
Following the avian influenza outbreak, Coles supermarket has imposed limits on egg purchases, but other major chain supermarkets have not followed suit.
Federal Minister of Agriculture, Murray Watt, stated that the outbreak in Victoria has not spread to more farms. “There is absolutely no risk of an egg supply shortage. Certainly, certain stores in certain areas may encounter some troubles in their regular supply, but shoppers have no need to panic.”
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