While there have been no further outbreaks in Australia over the past week, avian influenza controls remain in place where previous cases have been recorded. New outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) are reported in Russia and Taiwan.

Australia’s government has confirmed that a third type of the avian influenza virus has been detected in commercial poultry within one month. While the latest is defined as a mild form of the disease, it has brought mortalities to an emu flock. In Russia, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has spread to two new regions, and a further outbreak has been recorded among native chickens in Taiwan.

New cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) are reported in laying hens and emus in Australia, as well as among native chickens in Taiwan. The disease has returned to Russia’s Siberia, and a mild form of the virus has been detected again in South African ostriches after a one-year absence.

The COVID-19 pandemic and related stay-at-home orders had a meaningful impact on the financial performance of Australia-based poultry company Ingham’s Group.

While further cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been confirmed among poultry in Australia, Taiwan and Vietnam, multiple outbreaks have been reported in North Korea. For the first time in seven years, the mild form of the disease has been detected in two Australian flocks.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said chicken processors will be allowed to work together to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Stage 4 restrictions imposed by the Victorian government.

Recent mortalities and reduced production in poultry have been linked to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Countries confirming the latest outbreaks are on different continents, and three virus families are involved. Meanwhile, new research highlights the need to protect domestic poultry from wild birds, which represent the most likely source of infection.

The premier of the Australian state of Victoria has issued Stage 4 lockdown measures for Victorian meat and poultry processing plants, leaving two plants operated by Ingham’s to have to make adjustments.

Operations were temporarily halted at an Ingham’s further processing plant in Thomastown, Victoria, Australia, after the company learned five employees tested positive for COVID-19.

Australian poultry integrator Ingham’s is considering its options following a Supreme Court ruling against its plan for a new feed mill near Perth.

Ahead of negotiations to establish a free trade agreement (FTA) between the United Kingdom (U.K.) and Australia, at first sight, there appears to be a wide gap between the two parties in their prioritization of farming interests.

Changes are taking place among the membership of the board of directors for Australia-based poultry and feed company Ingham’s Group.