Inghams Group on Monday implemented a complete lockdown across all of its Western Australian farms and processing operations after Australia reported a second case of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu. The case was detected in Esperance, Western Australia, according to the company's statement.
The lockdown affects all Inghams facilities in the state, including farms and processing plants, to prevent the spread of the virus. The company said it is working closely with the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to manage the situation.
This is the second H5N1 case reported in Australia, following an earlier detection in Victoria. The Australian government has activated biosecurity measures to contain the outbreak, which poses a threat to the poultry industry.
Inghams assured the public that there is no immediate risk to food safety or human health, as the virus is primarily a concern for birds. The company is conducting enhanced surveillance and testing across its operations.
