With H5 bird flu continuing to pose a biosecurity threat, the Carroll Labor Government is giving poultry producers more time to prepare for new poultry welfare regulations.
The regulations will now be introduced in mid-2027, allowing industry and government to maintain their immediate focus on H5 preparedness and biosecurity.
The existing Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Domestic Fowl) Regulations 2016 will apply during the extension.
From 2027, the new regulations will implement the nationally agreed Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry in Victoria.
They will replace the current Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Domestic Fowl) Regulations 2016.
The extension to the current regulations does not affect our commitment to phase out conventional unfurnished cages by 2036.
The standards do not require producers to move to free-range production.
Producers will continue to be able to choose compliant systems that suit their business and biosecurity needs.
The new regulations will improve poultry welfare and give producers flexibility to choose systems that suit their business and biosecurity needs.
The new requirements will apply to all poultry in Victoria and include the phase-out of conventional cages by 2036.
Agriculture Victoria is working with poultry producers, owners and industry representatives to help them prepare for the changes.
Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer has introduced a temporary poultry housing requirement in higher-risk areas to reduce contact between poultry and wild birds and limit the spread of H5 bird flu.
Labor has invested more than $130 million to strengthen preparedness for biosecurity threats including emergency animal diseases, build wildlife resilience and control threats to native wildlife.
Victorians should stay alert and report sick or dead birds or wildlife can be reported to DEECA online or to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle
“We will implement the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry in Victoria, while giving producers more time to prepare for these important changes.”
“With H5 bird flu in Australia, poultry producers need to be able immediately focus on preparing for the disease.”
“These changes are about ensuring farmers, industry and government can focus on preventing H5 bird flu from entering the sector while developing new animal welfare standards that protect the wellbeing of poultry.”
