Health
Coles Implements Egg Purchase Limits Amid Bird Flu Outbreak in Victoria
Coles, a prominent supermarket chain, has taken a proactive approach to limit egg purchases as the recent outbreak of avian influenza, specifically the H7N3 and H7N9 strains, has impacted several poultry farms in Victoria, Australia.
The affected regions, including Meredith, Ballarat, Geelong, and Terang, have witnessed the euthanisation of over half a million chickens in an effort to contain the spread of the disease.
Due to the significant disruption in the egg supply chain, Coles has announced a temporary restriction of two egg cartons per customer in all its stores nationwide, except for Western Australia.
While Coles has taken this precautionary measure, other major retailers like Woolworths and Aldi have not implemented similar limits on egg purchases.
Eggs Australia, a not-for-profit organization supporting Australian producers, is actively working to mitigate the supply impact caused by the closure of five affected poultry farms.
Rowan McMonnies, the Managing Director of Eggs Australia, emphasized that while there may be temporary fluctuations in the egg supply, efforts are underway to source alternative providers to meet consumer demand.
Political figures such as Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt and Federal Health Minister Mark Butler have expressed confidence in the actions taken by Victorian authorities to manage the avian flu outbreak.
Agriculture Victoria has established restricted zones around the affected properties in Meredith, Lethbridge, and Terang, requiring permits for the movement of birds, eggs, and poultry-related items.
Additionally, the Victorian Farmers Federation has urged vigilance among poultry farmers and backyard flock owners to report any unusual bird deaths promptly.
Despite concerns raised by the outbreak, health authorities have affirmed that chicken meat and eggs remain safe for consumption, with minimal risk to the public.
Internationally, the United States has imposed restrictions on the import of Victorian eggs and poultry products as a precautionary measure amidst the avian influenza concerns.
