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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 49(8)

Restructuring of the Australian chicken industry: identification of risk factors for the closure of farms

I. J. East A B and S. A. Hamilton A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, GPO Box 858, Canberra, ACT 2611, Australia.

B Corresponding author. Email: iain.east@daff.gov.au

Animal Production Science 49(8) 711-716 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA08290
Submitted: 28 November 2008  Accepted: 18 May 2009   Published: 27 July 2009

Abstract

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 760 Australian layer chicken farms to identify risk factors associated with the closure of poultry farms. Address data and operating status were obtained for 734 farms and more detailed responses on farm size, structure and management practices from 317 farms (41.7%). The overall prevalence of closed farms was 36.4%. Increased risk of closure was associated with independent ownership [odds ratio (OR) = 2.22, P < 0.01], location within 50 km of the centre of a state capital city (OR = 1.66, P < 0.01), being a layer farm that reared its own pullets (OR = 2.18, P < 0.01) and location within Queensland or South Australia (OR = 3.10, 3.56; both P < 0.01). Analysis of the subset of farms for which more detailed information was available identified location in South Australia (OR = 9.23, P < 0.01), use of cages (OR = 4.36, P < 0.01) and sheds with only natural ventilation (OR = 11.00, P < 0.02) as risk factors associated with a greater risk of farm closure. Our survey found that closed farms were typically independently owned, cage-layer farms located in peri-urban regions near major cities and utilising sheds without assisted ventilation.


Acknowledgements

The authors thank Peter Scott and Anthony Chammings of Scolexia for conducting the surveys and initial entry of the data, the farm owners and managers who participated in the survey and the company and government officials who provided details of farm locations. This study was funded by the Australian Government’s ‘Securing the Future’ and ‘Avian Influenza’ budget initiatives.


References


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