Date of issue: 24 May 2024
Date of effect: Immediate
Attention:
- Egg Exporters - Australian
- Egg Export establishments
- Licensed exporters
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Central and Regional offices
The Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on a commercial egg laying farm in southwest Victoria, near Geelong. A second Victorian poultry farm in the Terang region has also been confirmed to have avian influenza. The affected properties have been placed under quarantine. All high pathogenicity strains of avian influenza (AI) are notifiable to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry notified the WOAH of this incident on 23 May 2024.
The department has reviewed all health certification for poultry meat and meat products, eggs, egg products and inedible products and placed a temporary suspension on certification for affected products effective from today, Friday 24 May 2024. Affected certification is indicated at Attachment 1 and will be updated as changes occur.
Exporters should note that product recently exported on affected health certificates that have not arrived at the port of entry and cleared customs are at commercial risk. Exporters should work with their importer to ensure importing country requirements continue to be met to manage commercial risk.
To assist with information management, exporters and establishments are requested to direct all enquires to the department about the effect of this HPAI incident on exports through their relevant peak industry body, where possible.
Exporters with detained consignments that require departmental assistance are requested to email details of the consignment, including the health certificate or RFP number to: exportstandards@aff.gov.au
Exporters should be aware that other trading partners may impose bans on avian and other products sourced from the affected region, the state of Victoria or Australia despite, or in addition to current health certificate requirements. As was the case with previous AI incidents, the department will take all possible action to minimise the effects of this disease incident on trade and will publish regular updates to keep industry informed of further developments.
The information provided above is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.
Further information
Contact ExportStandards@aff.gov.au if you have any queries.
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