Control order – housing requirement

A poultry housing requirement for flocks of 50 or more birds is in place in Victoria for coastal and southern shires.

This requirement applies to the following classes:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Guinea fowl
• Duck (that is not indigenous)
• Goose (that is not indigenous)
• Quail (that is not indigenous)
• Pheasant
• Partridge

The requirement reflects the risk to poultry from the way H5 bird flu is being detected in wild birds, with disease activity continuing to show the greatest risk in coastal and nearby areas. It is in place for at least a further 28 days, until 18 September 2026, and will continue to be reviewed based on disease activity.

Affected people must house or confine their birds to prevent contact with wild birds.

Housing or enclosing birds is most effective when supported by strong biosecurity measures that reduce contact with wild birds, wild bird droppings and contaminated environments.

Outside the specified local government areas, housing is not a requirement, but is recommended where practical.

Poultry owners and bird keepers should continue to review their biosecurity arrangements and remain prepared.

The ACCC non-enforcement of free-range labelling applies for up to 90 days while a housing order or a recommendation was put in place.