78977 (2024). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity

78977 (2024). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity: How has MPI engaged with the poultry industry to prepare for potential avian influenza outbreaks?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: In preparation for the arrival of the H5N1 strain circulating globally in wild birds, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) officials have been collaborating closely with the commercial poultry representatives to improve industry readiness and response capability. This includes workshops with industry representatives to develop response plans and enable operators return to trade as quickly as possible. MPI's On Farm Support has also been working with industry to prepare extension plans to support industry and producers to adopt and implement improved biosecurity practices. In July 2024, representatives from MPI, the New Zealand poultry industry and egg laying industry travelled to Australia to learn about the response efforts to the HPAI outbreak in commercial poultry farms across Victoria. In August, officials led a trip to the UK to study how H5N1 HPAI is being managed. Industry representatives were also in attendance. MPI will continue to collaborate closely with the commercial poultry and egg laying industry through supporting farmers with implementation of on farm plans and furthering understanding through farm extension activity starting early 2025.