DPI took the action at six properties across the state last week after receiving reports that some of the chickens were not being fed regularly.

All farms produce chickens for the same family-owned company, which the department refused to name.

ABC News yesterday named the company involved as Thomastown-based Tip Top Poultry, which processes poultry meat for the Victorian and interstate market. Industry sources say it has a contract farm at Pirron Yallock.

The company did not answer calls yesterday afternoon.

DPI’s executive director of biosecurity Dr Hugh Millar said the department acted quickly to safeguard the welfare of chickens at farms located in northern Victoria, the south-west and in west Gippsland.

“Late last week the department seized approximately 700,000 chickens at four of those properties and is monitoring the condition of the birds at the other two,” Dr Millar said.

The department has now contracted the services of another company to manage the seized chickens.

“The chickens are now being fed and properly cared for. They will eventually be processed for commercial sale once they have reached the appropriate size and condition,” Dr Millar said. “The animals are disease free and this incident is unrelated to recent disease outbreaks in poultry flocks.”

Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) president Andrew Broad commended the DPI for its swift action.

He said a small number of meat chicken farms were not supplied with adequate feed last week due to the financial difficulties experienced by a processor whose responsibility it was to provide the feed.

“The VFF works closely with the DPI and producers to ensure animal welfare standards are maintained,” Mr Broad said.

“All chicken producers operate under strict animal welfare standards and are committed to ensuring that the birds in their care have readily accessible food and water to maintain health and vigour.

“The current situation is distressing and unacceptable to all members of the industry.”