Interstate birds will not be allowed to compete at the Royal Adelaide Show this year due to ongoing avian flu concerns, but organisers say the event will still go ahead as planned.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to all our agricultural news
across the nation
or signup to continue reading
Due to the outbreak in Victoria, it is now prohibited to bring poultry or eggs from any property into SA in a restricted or control area of the state.
Other birds outside of the restricted areas in Vic are able to come into SA in line with current restrictions, but must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Royal Adelaide Show marketing manager Jordan Philp said no pigeon, poultry or egg entries would be accepted from interstate for the upcoming competition, but any interstate entries already received would be refunded.
"Interstate exhibitors account for approximately 10 per cent of our entries every year," she said.
"The Royal Adelaide show prides itself on being able to compete with the best from across Australia.
"So while it is unfortunate not to be able to host interstate entries from NSW, Victoria and the ACT this year, we know that with such an enthusiastic local competitor base, this year's pigeon, poultry and egg competition at the Royal Adelaide will be just as strong."
With the looming threat across the border, Ms Philp said biosecurity measures at the September event would be as important as ever.
"Implementing sort of these biosecurity measures isn't something new for us," she said.
"The animals are the livelihood of our exhibitors and having a comprehensive biosecurity plan in place is part of the nature of what we do.
"There'll be frequent hand sanitation and continuous monitoring of all birds at the show.
"These are actually practices that happen generally but it's always important to remind people that aren't aware that all animals are checked on arrival and throughout the event by a vet, but of course we'll be working with PIRSA and increase measures if necessary."
The ongoing restrictions have meant the cancellation of the Mount Gambier Poultry and Pigeon Club championship show in August, but SA Poultry Association president Ron Hall says it's business as usual for other local events across the state.
"In Mount Gambier they do get exhibitors coming from western Victoria which makes it difficult to hold the show without those entrants," he said.
"We've still got shows going ahead everywhere else in the state though.
"Mount Pleasant is going ahead, we'll have a show in Adelaide next week as well.
"We're cautious of what is happening interstate, but the majority of shows are still going ahead and they're still competitive with SA entrants."
Ms Philp said the show society would continue to closely with PIRSA and the RA&HS Animal Welfare committee to monitor the unfortunate situation experienced interstate and would continue to provide information on any further changes or developments.
Katie Jackson
Journalist at Stock Journal. Born into a journo family in the state's South East, Katie made the move to the big smoke to join the team in early 2022 after seven years spent at various mastheads in the regions.
Journalist at Stock Journal. Born into a journo family in the state's South East, Katie made the move to the big smoke to join the team in early 2022 after seven years spent at various mastheads in the regions.
