❓ Hon Amanda Dorn questions the Minister for Agriculture and Food regarding avian influenza preparedness in WA poultry facilities, focusing on stocking densities and biosecurity risks. The Minister responds by referencing national standards and highlighting the role of wild birds in transmission.
AnsweredQoN 787Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
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?
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?
AnswerView source ↗
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.
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.
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