More than one million birds in the two states combined have been euthanised as part of the government’s response to bird flu, also known as avian influenza.
In a post on social media, McDonald’s explained breakfast would end at 10.30 a.m. instead of midday, due to egg supply issues.
“Like many retailers we are carefully managing supply of eggs due to the current industry challenges,” McDonald’s Australia posted to Instagram.
“To keep bringing you your breakie favourites with fresh Aussie eggs, we'll be temporarily serving breakfast until 10.30 a.m. across Australia (usually available until midday).”
McDonald’s said it is working hard with Aussie farmers and suppliers to return to normal “as soon as possible.”
Egg Supply Disruptions
Recently, the federal government warned egg supplies in Australia have been disrupted and consumers should not buy more eggs than required.
“The national layer hen flock has been impacted by these outbreaks which is resulting in some localised disruption to egg supplies to the retail, hospitality and manufacturing sectors,” the government said.
They warned consumers could expect to see some empty shelves in the short-term, but supply was being redirected.
“Some retailers have already imposed purchasing limits which may extend across retail chains and jurisdictions, including rural and regional areas,” the federal government continued.
Supermarket giant Coles imposed egg purchase limits on Australian customers in June.
Where Has Bird Flu Been Detected?
In Victoria, the H7N3 strain was detected at seven poultry farms in the Golden Plains Shire near Meredith. A case of the H7N9 strain avian flu has also been discovered.
Meanwhile, in NSW, two outbreaks of H7N8 poultry have been found in the Hawkesbury district in northwest Sydney. This is a separate strain to Victoria.
Further, in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), H7N8 bird flu was detected at a poultry farm on June 27. This farm is linked to one of the NSW properties.
The first human case of bird flu in Australia was also reported in Victoria in May, in a child who acquired the H5N1 strain overseas in India.
The current strains of avian influenza in Australia do not appear to “transmit easily between humans,” the Australian government said.
The government also reassured Australians that eggs and chicken meat are still safe to eat if cooked properly.
“They do not pose a risk and are safe to consume. Victoria has a secure supply chain including the importation of eggs from interstate, so the current outbreak has not significantly affected supplies,” said Agriculture Victoria.
Bird flu is caused by a “variety of influenza type A viruses” that usually infect birds, according to Murdoch University Professor of Viral Immunology Cassandra Berry.
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