PNG Blocks Australian Poultry After Bird Flu Detection

Papua New Guinea suspended imports of Australian poultry and eggs after two seabirds tested positive for a highly pathogenic bird flu strain, the first confirmed mainland cases of the virus.

The ban removes one nearby market for Australian exporters. The largest listed poultry player is Ingham's (ASX: ING). PNG is not a major destination. The suspension carries a bigger signal: if the virus spreads to commercial flocks, other trading partners – China, Japan, the EU – could follow with their own restrictions.

Bird flu outbreaks in Australia are rare. The strain identified is highly pathogenic, meaning it can sweep through bird populations quickly. The federal government tightened biosecurity measures within days of the detection. Poultry producers ramped up surveillance on farms.

The immediate hit to Ingham's revenue from PNG is small. Export sales make up a thin slice of total revenue. A broader trade disruption would matter more directly for earnings. The market will watch for any new cases inside a poultry shed or import bans from larger buyers.

A second detection in a commercial flock would confirm a wider problem and likely trigger a sell-off in Australian poultry stocks. The ban from PNG stays in place until further notice.