Jaidyn Kennedy
Victoria’s current avian influenza outbreak is putting pressure on local egg production in Wyndham.
The outbreak has seen over a million birds culled in Victoria, approximately 20 per cent of the state’s flock, with national estimates at approximately 10 per cent.
Despite being outside of the control zone and avoiding infection, Wyndham’s two egg farms are facing logistical challenges.
Casaccio’s Egg Farm managing director Lina Sfetcopoulos said the outbreak and following culling had impacted production.
“Due to high order demands for birds, we have had delays in shipments causing us to have reduced egg production,” she said.
“With over a million birds out of the system and the ever growing demand for eggs, we are struggling to keep up with market demand. We are constantly juggling to ensure all customers and consumers receive eggs, however we have had to reduce orders to ensure our eggs are fairly distributed.”
To minimise further risk, Casaccio’s have revised its biosecurity policies and procedures.
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) vice president and Wyndham egg farmer Danyel Cucinotta said the outbreak had impacted egg prices.
“Farmers have costs they need to recuperate to remain a viable business – whether that’s from inputs or production, and that will determine the cost of eggs,” she said.
“Every farm will have a different pricing mechanism.”
Ms Cucinotta’s family runs LT’s Egg farm in Werribee South.
“Indirectly, we are struggling to meet the demand of our consumers and forward planning is now difficult for us along the supply chain,” she said.
