- News from the Ministry for Primary Industries –
Testing has confirmed H5 bird flu (H5N1 avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4b) in a single northern giant petrel, found dead on a remote Cape Palliser beach in the Wairarapa, says Dr Mary van Andel, the Ministry for Primary Industries’ chief veterinary officer.
“This positive detection is not a surprise as these sea going birds can arrive on our coastlines, especially in poor weather. We expect we will continue to find more cases in wild birds,’’ says Dr van Andel.
“There were no signs of other issues at the site, but we will carry out precautionary checks along the remote coastline tomorrow. “The risk to human health remains low and chicken and eggs are safe to eat.”
There have now been 3 confirmed positive detections of H5 bird flu in New Zealand, all in the Wellington region. The detections have been individual wild birds and there have been no mass mortality events or any detections in poultry.
Dr van Andel said the petrel was found by a Department of Conservation (DOC) ranger, who notified the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) exotic pest and disease hotline.
Samples were received by MPI’s Animal Health Laboratory on 14 August. Initial tests found the bird had a low level of influenza virus and it required several rounds of testing to confirm H5 bird flu.
“Given this species is known to be affected by bird flu and the location we wanted to be thorough with our testing despite the low viral load.
“MPI remains focused on surveillance to track the movement of bird flu so we can help protect our poultry industry and support DOC’s work with native wildlife,” says Dr van Andel.
“By building a precise picture through testing, we help egg and chicken producers make good decisions about the best biosecurity measures to protect their flocks and keep operating.”
Alongside industry, MPI will continue to offer one-on-one support and advice to poultry and egg operations in the Wairarapa and Wellington.
Since the first H5 bird flu detections in New Zealand, MPI has had a strong response from the public reporting groups of unwell or dead birds.
“MPI experts consider every notification and triage them based on internationally recognised processes for assessing H5 bird flu risk. Multiple unwell or dead birds, certain species (sea birds, waterfowl, birds that congregate in large groups), and certain locations take priority.”
People who see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group should report it immediately to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 from anywhere in New Zealand or online at report.mpi.govt.nz
The birds should not be handled or moved.
Source: Ministry for Primary Industries
