Avian influenza—Poultry facilities
787. Hon Amanda Dorn to the Minister for Agriculture and Food:
I refer to the minister's statement on Western Australia becoming a signatory to the national management agreement for H5 highly pathogenic avian influence (HPAI) in wildlife, and I acknowledge the importance of preparing for an incursion.
(1) How many birds are currently legally permitted to be contained in a single intensive poultry facility in Western Australia?
(2) Has the minister received advice that the high-density housing of birds poses a significant biosecurity risk in the event of an HPAI outbreak and, if not, why not?
(3) Will the minister consider reviewing stocking density limits as part of WA's preparedness and response planning and, if not, why not?
Hon Jackie Jarvis replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) Stocking density limits are set out in the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry, which was nationally endorsed in July 2023. These standards are dependent on the species and breed of poultry, their age and size, and the type of production system. The Cook government remains committed to these standards, and particularly the move away from battery cages as a production system.
(2) Water birds and shorebirds are the natural reservoirs for avian influenza viruses, and transmission from wild birds is the primary way that avian influenza infects poultry. The key biosecurity risk is potential contact between wild birds and poultry, which intensive housing minimises.
(3) The stocking density limits are as per nationally agreed standards.
