New Zealand on alert as bird flu detected in Australia
Wellington, June 20
New Zealand is well prepared for a potential incursion of highly pathogenic avian influenza after the virus was detected in a wild seabird in Western Australia, a senior official said on Saturday.
Several government departments have stepped up monitoring and preparedness efforts, Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety Andrew Hoggard said in a statement, Xinhua news agency reported.
"Since the H5N1 strain of bird flu started spreading around the world, New Zealand's geographical isolation has protected us and given us time to prepare," Hoggard said.
Australia has confirmed the H5N1 2.3.4.4b bird flu strain in a migratory seabird in Western Australia, with a nearby giant petrel also suspected. No poultry cases or mass deaths have been reported.
"We are watching the situation closely and remain in close contact with Australian authorities," Hoggard said, adding New Zealand cannot prevent the virus from arriving via wild birds and that eradication would be unlikely if it establishes in native populations.
The minister urged farmers, backyard poultry owners and outdoor recreationists to strengthen biosecurity and report clusters of sick or dead birds, saying there is no food safety risk and the risk to human health remains low.
It marks the first confirmed case in the Australian mainland of the highly pathogenic strain, which has spread around the world since 2020, causing the deaths of millions of birds and other animals.
A second bird, a giant petrel, was found sick nearby on Thursday and has been quarantined.
The Australian government previously committed 113 million Australian dollars (79.2 million USD) in funding to prepare for a potential outbreak of the H5N1 strain.
The Threatened Species Commissioner, Fiona Fraser, said that authorities would know within days if the strain has established itself in any populations in Australia.
Australia was previously the only continent where the H5N1 bird flu strain had not been found.
The strain can spread quickly among poultry and wild bird populations. Human cases tied to the disease remain uncommon.
The H5N1 strain of bird flu was detected on the remote Australian territories of Heard and McDonald Islands in October last year - located in the southern Indian Ocean.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm glad the risk to humans is low, but the impact on bird populations is concerning. New Zealand is known for its unique ecosystems. Hope they can prevent a widespread outbreak.
Interesting how Australia was the last continent without H5N1. Now even they have it. The $113 million AUD investment seems wise. But I worry about small farmers—they often don't have resources for strict biosecurity. 😕
Geographical isolation has bought time, but you can't stop wild birds from carrying viruses. The key is early detection and response. New Zealand's approach seems sensible.
As someone from a poultry farming background in India, this is a reminder for us too. We've had avian flu scares before. Need better screening at borders and public awareness campaigns. New Zealand is doing the right thing.
It's concerning that eradication would be unlikely if established. We need more research on wildlife vaccines. Meanwhile, people should avoid handling sick birds and report them. Basic hygiene goes a long way.
Hope the Australian commitment of $113 million AUD includes support for backyard poultry owners too. They are often the first to notice unusual bird deaths. Quick reporting saves time. 🙏