Melbourne Royal Show: Poultry competition called off amid H5 bird flu concerns

The poultry competition at the Melbourne Royal Show has been cancelled as the deadly H5 bird flu spreads across the country.

Show organisers said they were “taking this precautionary step to protect the health and wellbeing of the Victorian poultry community”, following consultation with Agriculture Victoria and the Chief Veterinary Officer team.

“Melbourne Royal is grateful for the time and efforts our poultry exhibitors have put into their preparations for this year’s show and greatly appreciate their understanding and continued support,” organisers said in a statement.

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“Melbourne Royal hopes to welcome back the... competition in 2027.”

There have been no cases of the deadly disease recorded in any poultry farms across the country as a result of this outbreak, however lockdowns are in place across high-risk areas in Victoria, with farmers needing to keep their bird inside.

The development comes as Victorian authorities launch the world’s biggest wildlife vaccination program in little penguins at Phillip Island and St Kilda.

The vaccines have just arrived in Victoria and the species is being prioritised for the first doses.

About 5000 birds will be vaccinated and Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke conceded it will be challenging as every bird needs to be caught twice to receive two doses.

The vaccinations will not stop H5 bird flu from circulating but can help reduce its impacts.

Phillip Island Nature Parks chief executive Catherine Basterfield said they “are privileged to have the opportunity to lead what is believed to be the world’s largest vaccination program involving wild birds, building knowledge that could help protect little penguins and strengthen wildlife disease preparedness both in Australia and internationally”.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins said more than $113 million had been invested by the federal government to prepare for H5 bird flu, including almost $2 million for vaccines and trials.