Bird flu - what do I need to know?

Federated Farmers Podcast - Episode 11

Eradication is unlikely to be an option if a highly contagious strain of bird flu reaches New Zealand and establishes itself in wild birds, the Ministry for Primary Industries’ chief veterinary officer Mary van Andel says. 

In this episode of the Federated Farmers Podcast, van Andel says New Zealand has never had a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which is highly contagious and deadly in poultry. 

But with the H591 strain now detected in wild birds in Antarctica, the risk has increased and we must be prepared for how to manage it, she explains. 

“I think we need to be realistic that we might not be in a position to eradicate this disease if it is established in wildlife in New Zealand,” van Andel says. 

“It's not something that's going to go away; it's something we will need to be able to work through and adapt to over time.” 

Van Andel goes on to say that MPI and other agencies are “keeping an extra close eye” on what’s happening in Antarctica, because the virus could move with wild birds into New Zealand via the subantarctic islands.

HPAI could have significant impacts on our poultry industry and wildlife, she explains. 

“Our preparedness planning has a strong focus on supporting the poultry industry to respond to HPAI, and also on protecting New Zealand's native species. 

“This means we're having to work really closely with poultry industry bodies to support their preparedness.”

Although HPAI has crossed over into dairy cattle in the US, van Andel doesn’t expect that to happen here. 

“HPAI is not a cattle disease. In the US, there was one spillover event from wildlife into cows, and then the cattle were moved around the US.

“Now the virus is being transferred between cattle through milk in the milking parlours. 

“That's a very particular thing that's happened in a particular production system.” 

Even so, she urges all Kiwi farmers to be prepared for the possibility of HPAI’s arrival, and to be vigilant about on-farm biosecurity.  

For poultry farms, this means making sure flocks don't have contact with wild birds, keeping equipment sheds and yards clean, maintaining good hygiene, and restricting people going on to farms to those who are necessary. 

Those on dairy and other livestock farms should follow biosecurity guidelines from the industry bodies and MPI, she says. 

She says in the podcast that it’s very important for people to understand properly cooked chicken and eggs, and pasteurised milk, are 100% safe for human consumption. 

Van Andel says the first case in New Zealand will likely be in wildlife or poultry.

“That doesn’t mean we won’t be alert to other types of presentations, but we really need to be focused on sick birds at this point.

“Should HPAI become present in New Zealand, then we’ll make sure we’re very alert to spillover events into mammals.” 

If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to 0800 80 99 66. Do not handle the birds.

Note: some statistics mentioned in this podcast have become out of date since recording.

Listen to Podcast

Useful links: 

MPI’s information about avian influenza
Information for dairy and other farmers
Minimising the risk to commercial poultry flocks
DairyNZ’s biosecurity planner