Backyard Chicken Owners Warned
Western Victoria MP Bev McArthur has written to the Ministers for Agriculture and Health over her concerns that the public have not been sufficiently informed about the recent outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis in Victoria.
The bacterial infection, which can cause severe sickness in humans, was detected on a commercial egg farm west of Melbourne last week and Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke has written to the state’s egg producers to warn them of the danger.
Mrs McArthur said: “Any outbreak could be devastating for egg producers, and it is right that all measures are taken to keep this case isolated.”
“But it is clear that this is not simply a problem for egg producers. The CVO’s letter asks producers to cease the sale of spent hens to traders. This is a widespread practice, with on-sales to home egg producers being quite normal.”
“I am concerned that domestic premises have now become infected. Given the potential not just for further animal-borne spread, but for soil contamination of backyard food production, I am seriously concerned that members of the public may be at risk.”
“Nine cases of Salmonella Enteritidis have been reported in the last two months – five of the victims owned domestic chickens. We need to be absolutely sure that the Ministers for Health and Agriculture are taking this seriously.”
Mrs McArthur’s letter sought the following steps:
The release of a health warning to members of the public.
Tracing of the spent hens sold by those linked to the outbreak
Offer of safe disposal opportunities for anyone concerned they may have purchased infected hens.
Instigation of testing of meat and layer flocks and their housing.
Requirement for all Council Health Officers to collect and provide Agriculture Victoria with details of layer hens in their Council area, as consistent with the MOU signed between the Department of Health and the Municipal Association of Victoria.
She concluded: “Failing to control this infection source could put at risk the health of those with chickens at home, and could jeopardise the businesses of commercial producers. The Government must act quickly and decisively to avert this huge danger.”
1 July 2020