Biosecurity New Zealand has placed strict movement controls on a commercial rural Otago egg farm.
After testing, it has been confirmed that a high pathogenic strain of avian influenza in chickens likely developed from interactions with local waterfowl and wild birds.
"Tests from the Mainland Poultry managed farm have identified a high pathogenic H7N6 subtype of avian influenza. While it is not the H5N1 type circulating among wildlife around the world that has caused concern, we are taking the find seriously," said Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director-general Stuart Anderson.
"Our testing shows it is unrelated to an H7 strain that was identified in Australia earlier this year, and we believe this case may have happened as part of a spillover event, where laying hens who were foraging outside of the shed were exposed to a low pathogenic virus from wild waterfowl.”
Anderson said that low-pathogenic viruses were found in wild birds here, especially waterfowl like ducks, geese, and swans, and the virus can mutate in interaction with chickens.
He noted that the strain found on this farm was not a wildlife-adapted strain like H5N1, so it is believed it is unlikely to be transmitted to mammals.
There have been no reports of ill or dead birds on other poultry farms and no human health or food safety concerns. It is safe to consume thoroughly cooked eggs and poultry products.
Anderson mentioned that quick action had been taken in cooperation with Mainland Poultry and that a restricted place notice had been issued.
"Test results late last night confirmed the strain, but we already had restrictions and expert biosecurity staff on site, with more arriving.”
Mainland Poultry took the proper steps by reporting ill birds in one shed on the property and locking that building down as testing continued. Anderson said they would move quickly with Mainland Poultry to depopulate birds on the remote property.
They have placed a ten-kilometre buffer zone around it alongside restrictions preventing the movement of animals, equipment, and feed.
"We aim to stamp this out like we did with infectious bursal viral disease that affected chickens in 2019.”
John McKay, chief executive of Mainland Poultry, said the farm was committed to taking quick action.
"We have been preparing for an event like this for some time, knowing that low pathogenic avian influenza is already present in New Zealand wild birds. Fortunately, this is not the H5N1 type that has caused concern for wildlife in other parts of the world. International experience with avian influenza has shown us this strain (H7N6) can be eradicated quickly and successfully,” said McKay.
"We will work closely with MPI to depopulate the affected shed, ensure rigorous testing of all other birds on the farm and manage the situation effectively. I’m confident we can eradicate this with swift action and collaboration.”
Biosecurity New Zealand has been working closely with industry partners to ensure the findings and any possible impacts on Trade Limited are dealt with quickly.
"We have put a lot of effort in with the poultry and egg sector, the Department of Conservation, and the Ministry of Health to prepare for H5N1, which puts us in a good position to deal with the less virulent H7N6 strain found on this farm.”
If anyone sees three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to the exotic pest and disease hotline.
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