Brief
Melbourne Royal Show poultry competition cancelled over H5N1 bird flu surge
Organisers cancelled the 2026 poultry events at the Melbourne Royal Show citing a nationwide H5N1 outbreak.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Melbourne Royal Show announced on 29 September 2026 that its poultry competitions and exhibitions were cancelled for the year because of a surge in H5N1 bird‑flu cases across Australia, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Veteran poultry‑fancier Alf Woods, 98, who has entered the show since 1939, had planned to bring 19 entries, including Old English Game fowl, but the decision means his great‑grandson Blair, 10, will miss his debut. Woods said he understood the move, noting that a single infected bird could devastate the entire flock.
Michael Holmes, head of the show’s poultry committee and a 45‑year competitor, called the cancellation “disappointing” but affirmed it was the right step for biosecurity, adding that organisers hope to resume the events next year.
Key facts
- The Melbourne Royal Show cancelled its 2026 poultry competitions due to a surge in H5N1 bird flu cases across Australia. (smh.com.au)
- Alf Woods, a 98‑year‑old veteran competitor, had planned to enter 19 birds before the cancellation. (smh.com.au)
- Michael Holmes, head of the show’s poultry committee, said the decision was necessary for biosecurity. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Melbourne Royal Show 2026: Poultry competition cancelled due to bird flu surge”
