Coles supermarket has announced limits on egg purchases after discovering bird flu at a fifth poultry farm in Victoria.
Customers nationwide, except in Western Australia, are now restricted to buying two cartons of eggs per visit.
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Four farms near Meredith and one near Terang have confirmed cases of high pathogenicity H7N3 and H7N9 strains of avian influenza.
Nearly half a million chickens have been euthanised, and quarantine zones have been established to prevent further spread.
Victoria, considered Australia’s third-largest egg-producing place, has witnessed a reduction of approximately 450,000 eggs per day due to the outbreak.
The Victorian Farmers Federation reports that around one in 16 egg-laying chickens in the state have been destroyed.
Over the weekend, a Coles spokesperson said: “We are working closely with all of our suppliers to ensure eggs remain available for our customers.”
“We are providing support to the industry in responding to the avian flu cases in Victoria.
Woolworths and Aldi have not imposed similar restrictions.
Eggs Australia Managing Director Rowan McMonnies said that consumers might need to shop differently but should still find eggs.
“It’s a difficult time, winter as well, the free range birds tend to lay less because there’s less sunlight so it’s not perfect timing,” he said.
“At the same time, I don’t think we’re going to look at a really sustained dip in supply.”
Consumers are encouraged to report any unusual bird deaths and to seek eggs from various local sources.
Despite the outbreak, authorities confirm that chicken meat and eggs remain safe for consumption.
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