Bird Flu in South Australia – Days Eggs Update

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a virus that mainly affects birds. The strain currently being detected in Australia is a highly pathogenic form known as H5 bird flu or H5N1.

This strain can cause serious illness in wild birds and poultry. It can also occasionally affect other animals. In South Australia, detections have remained within wild birds and wildlife, with no confirmed detections in poultry or livestock at the time of writing.

Government authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and provide advice to poultry farmers, wildlife carers and the wider community.

The welfare of our girls has always been at the heart of everything we do.

Wild birds can spread bird flu through direct contact, droppings, respiratory secretions and contaminated water or environments. Temporarily keeping our free range hens indoors reduces the possibility of them coming into contact with wild birds or other potentially affected wildlife.

Our hens continue to receive the same high standard of care, nutritious feed, clean water and daily attention from our experienced farm teams. Their sheds provide a comfortable and protected environment while their access to the outdoor range is temporarily paused.

Although we know customers choose free range eggs because outdoor access is important to them, there are times when protecting the health and safety of the hens must come first. Temporary housing is a responsible precaution intended to keep our flocks safe until the risk has reduced.

Days Eggs’ free-range hens remain part of our established free-range farming system. Their outdoor access has been temporarily paused in response to an official voluntary housing recommendation.

Current guidance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission allows affected producers to continue using free-range representations for up to 90 days while a government housing order or voluntary housing recommendation remains in place.

We also believe it is important to be open with our customers about the change.

For traceability, we have added the letter “H”, meaning “Housed”, to the identification stamp printed on each affected egg. The word “HOUSED” also appears on the Best Before sticker on the top of each affected free-range egg carton.

If the housing recommendation continues beyond 90 days, we will update our carton labelling and customer information in accordance with the latest ACCC requirements.

Yes. Food Standards Australia New Zealand has confirmed that poultry and egg products available for sale remain safe to eat.

As always, eggs should be stored, handled and prepared correctly. Wash your hands and utensils after handling raw food, keep eggs refrigerated and cook them appropriately for the people you are serving.

The temporary housing of our hens is a preventive animal health and biosecurity measure. It does not mean that bird flu has been detected in Days Eggs hens or in South Australian poultry.

We will continue to follow the advice of South Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer and monitor government updates closely.

When authorities advise that the risk has reduced and it is safe for our free range hens to return outdoors, their usual access to the range will resume. If the recommendation is extended or government guidance changes, we will keep our customers informed.

We appreciate the understanding and support of our retail, foodservice and household customers while we take these important precautions. Caring for our hens, protecting the quality of our eggs and providing honest information to our customers remain our highest priorities.

If you have any questions about Days Eggs products or current carton labelling, please contact our team.

For the latest updates, visit the South Australian Government’s H5 bird flu information website.

If you find sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them. Record the location and report the sighting to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.