New Zealand raises biosecurity to keep HPAI away

With the presence highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) having been confirmed in commercial poultry flocks in Australia, the poultry industry in nearby New Zealand is bolstering its vigilance against HPAI.

The Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand (PIANZ) described some of the measures it is taking, now that HPAI has been confirmed in Oceania.

“New Zealand and the Pacific Islands remain the only two countries without a strain of HPAI, however our remote geographic location does not make us exempt from risk. As such, New Zealand’s biosecurity measures are moving to a new phase of vigilance and coordination,” PIANZ stated.

“Our egg and poultry farmers remain the frontline force for early detection at a local level. Nationally, extensive work is underway to best prepare for a response, including business continuity and biosecurity resilience. Industry is working closely with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Biosecurity NZ, and Food Safety NZ.  Together we are part of a coordinated response called ‘One Health’. Its purpose is to prepare for an incursion of HPAI across MPI, Government, the Department of Conservation, Dairy NZ and the Ministry of Health, and to respond rapidly.”

PIANZ encourages bird owners to call the MPI Exotic Pest and Disease hotline should they notice any symptoms that are consistent with HPAI. That number is +1.088.80.99.66.

Avian influenza in Australia

Three serotypes of HPAI have been confirmed in Australia in 2024. The first confirmed case in a commercial flock was identified as H7N3, while two days later, another commercial flock tested positive for H7N9. There has also been a human case of H5N1 HPAI in a child in Australia. That child, who reportedly contracted the virus while visiting India, has since recovered.

View our continuing coverage of the global avian influenza situation.