SOME of Cabonne Shire’s agricultural shows are continuing to plan for poultry exhibitions, despite the ongoing threat of avian influenza.
Organisers for both the Molong and Canowindra shows have said they are currently expecting their poultry sections to go ahead.
The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, or DPIRD, has advised that agricultural shows can continue to operate as planned, with individual show societies able to decide whether to proceed with poultry and bird exhibitions based on their local circumstances and risk.
Molong Show Society president Helen Crisp said organisers had been advised the decision remained in the hands of local groups.
“We heard from the powers that be, that at the moment it’s up to individual show societies, and our stewards are happy to continue, so it’s still going ahead,” Ms Crisp said.
The decision means poultry exhibitors at Molong can currently prepare to bring their birds to the show, with appropriate biosecurity measures in place.
Canowindra Show has also confirmed that they are continuing with its poultry section at this stage.
DPIRD recommends that any birds presented for exhibition appear healthy and show no signs of illness, while contact between exhibition birds and wild or free-ranging birds should be prevented whenever possible.
Good hygiene practices are also being encouraged for exhibitors, volunteers and visitors who come into contact with poultry or other birds.
The advice comes as New South Wales enters another agricultural show season, with poultry exhibitions bringing together birds from different locations.
AgShows New South Wales has encouraged show committees planning poultry or bird exhibitions to review current biosecurity information as local events approach.
The organisation has also made information from DPIRD and the Federal Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry available to show societies, including avian influenza preparedness information and resources for poultry exhibition areas.
AgShows New South Wales said it would continue to work with DPIRD and the Federal Government and would notify member show societies if the situation or biosecurity requirements change.