SA’s biosecurity response under fire amid claims Primary Industries minister ‘kept in the dark’ amid bird flu crisis

SA’s response to prevent deadly “bird flu” from devastating the state’s almost $1bn poultry industry is under fire, amid fears authorities were ill-prepared to respond to the crisis.

Workers at the Meredith Chicken Farm in Victoria go through a cleaning station before entering the farm. Picture: Mike Dugdale

South Australia’s response to prevent the deadly “bird flu” virus devastating the state’s almost $1bn poultry industry is under fire, amid fears authorities were ill-prepared to respond to the crisis.

Almost two million egg-laying birds have already been killed nationwide as biosecurity authorities battle 16 highly contagious avian influenza outbreaks in three states or territories.

While SA is currently virus free, state authorities say they are on high alert – and have already placed transport restrictions on poultry and fertile eggs from “high-risk” Victorian properties.

Empty egg shelves at an Adelaide Woolworths, Glenelg in June amid shortages sparked by an Avian bird flu across Australia. Picture: Supplied

There has been a nationwide egg shortage. Picture: istock

But a “stunned” Opposition has criticised the state government for its “apparent lack of preparedness” after officials admitted no formal documents existed.

Government officials insist authorities are “working hard to be prepared should an incursion occur”.

Experts have already called for local egg producers to be able to lockdown chickens and sell “free range” products without penalty to help stop the virus spreading further.

A national meeting of Agriculture minister last week noted the outbreaks were “the most significant avian disease incursion in Australia on record” amid a nationwide egg shortage.

Opposition spokeswoman, Nicola Centofanti, formally requested relevant correspondence between Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven and the state’s SA’s Chief Veterinarian, Dr Elise Spark.

Liberal Upper House leader Nicola Centofanti criticised the government for appearing to be flat footed. Picture: Supplied

But Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven hit back, insisting authorities were ‘working hard’ to prepare for any SA outbreak. Picture: Supplied

The Primary Industries department said the Freedom of Information request had “not been able to located the documents” despite searches of its biosecurity division, chief vet and its records systems.

Dr Centofanti, an Upper House MP and veterinarian, said she was “shocked”.

“I am astonished there are not substantial records between the Minister and her senior decision maker on this hugely important topic,” she said.

“It is little wonder I am hearing growing concern from South Australian poultry farmers.

“South Australia seems to have no preparedness plans in motion, nor any record of there ever intending to be so.”

But Ms Scriven hit back, insisting PIRSA’s biosecurity officials were “working very, very hard” to stop the disease hitting SA as she accused Dr Centofanti of being “more interested in playing politics than supporting producers.”

“It unfortunately comes as no surprise to see Nicola Centofanti once again try to create fear and uncertainty amongst our hard working producers,” she said.

“The state government is consistently communicating with industry on measures that need to be taken to protect their farms and facilities including through key biosecurity preparedness activities.

“(Her) comments suggest she is unwilling to acknowledge or avail herself of the information available on the preparedness and risk minimisation activities that are in place.”

She said authorities were ensuring there was enough protective equipment, chemicals while a mobile laboratory and emergency response units were being bought.

Experts say the current avian influenza strains do not transmit easily between humans and are not the H5N1 variety that has infected billions of animals globally.

Authorities say eggs and chicken meat are safe to eat if handled and cooked to food standards.