Biosecurity New Zealand has taken further action to stamp out a high pathogenic strain of avian influenza, H7N6, detected on a commercial egg farm in rural Otago.
"Work started to humanely cull chickens in two sheds on a farm managed by Mainland Poultry, where testing confirmed cases of an H7N6 subtype of avian influenza in birds," said Biosecurity New Zealand deputy-general Stuart Anderson.
"We’ve also placed a precautionary restricted place notice on a small free-range farm near Dunedin, stopping the movement of material on and off the property. As is normal in biosecurity responses, we always investigate where illness is identified. The property has around 6,000 birds, with a number of deaths, and testing is underway.”
Anderson said Mainland Poultry’s egg farm cull is being carried out by the business and supported by Biosecurity New Zealand. The cull is expected to take two to three days and use the existing industry standard practice of CO2 containerised gas, which farms regularly use to euthanise chickens.
The carcasses and litter from the affected sheds will be transported to a secure landfill in Southland, which is equipped to take this kind of waste. The carcasses will be loaded directly onto trucks with a thoroughly tested leak-proof plastic lining.
Anderson added that it was necessary to point out that the landfill has specific features to prevent the leaching of materials into the environment, including impermeable layers and a routine monitoring process. The disposal will be in a deep pit, an area well away from public access, and the landfill will be closed during this process.
Testing has been conducted at the smaller poultry farm near Dunedin. Mainland Poultry does not own the property, and Biosecurity New Zealand has been investigating whether there are any links between it and the first property.
Testing is also being carried out on birds in the remaining sheds on Mainland Poultry’s egg farm and other properties of interest.
"We will continue rigorous testing over the coming days and weeks and take action as required. No reports of concern about other ill or dead birds on other poultry farms.”
Contact tracing has revealed limited movements between Mainland Poultry’s affected farm and other poultry farms in the area. Anderson reminded people that the risk to human health remains low, and there are no food safety or wildlife concerns.
"Avian influenza viruses are killed by cooking, so it remains safe to eat thoroughly cooked egg and poultry products.”
He said that raw eggs have always been considered a high-risk food.
“Our advice remains not to consume or serve raw eggs, especially those with low or compromised immune systems, as the eggs may contain harmful pathogens, including salmonella."
The ten-kilometre buffer zone around Mainland Poultry’s egg farm will now be an enhanced surveillance zone. Biosecurity New Zealand will increase its presence in Otago and has set up a regional control centre to manage the situation.
"Over 100 staff across MPI, including frontline biosecurity, trade and market access, veterinarians, agriculture, communications, and food safety, are contributing to the response, and this number is increasing daily as required, both on the ground in Otago and in our operations centre.”
