When Seven Sharp reporter Mary-Jane Aggett visited West Auckland's BirdCare Aotearoa, it was all systems go. Words like "triage, quarantine, and ICU" were uttered, and there was talk of being “the first line of defence” and “barrier protection".
Planning has been underway at the wild bird hospital and rescue centre for some time should the highly pathogenic avian influenza — H5N1, or bird flu — reach New Zealand shores.
The highly contagious virus is already in Australia, and there are fears it will make its way across the Tasman. While New Zealand has not yet detected any cases of these strains, experts warn that it is only a matter of time.
Carl Ashworth is the General Manager of BridCare Aotearoa and he said the centre is busy preparing for the arrival of bird flu.
"We are setting up different quarantine areas for different areas so that the disease doesn't track. One of the biggest things we're doing is upping our game with disinfectant, which is a very important barrier control," said Ashworth.
"We're just making sure we are that first line of defence."
AroundBirdCare Aotearoa takes in around 6000 sick and injured birds a year. On some summer days, around 400 birds are dropped off at the centre.
“We’re looking for any reports of mass die-offs of birds… or even small die-offs of even three or four birds," he said.
"We're also looking out for the seabirds that potentially would bring [bird flu] in. So, any migratory birds that end up here get a special dispensation and a bigger lookout because we know there's a possibility that they could have the disease.
Ashworth said the centre is setting up quarantine areas and protocols for separating birds so the virus doesn’t spread. All this costs money, and the centre needs donations.
Biosecurity New Zealand has an active surveillance programme and tests around 2000 samples from wild birds each year.
MPI’s chief veterinary officer Dr Mary van Andel said everyone has a part to play to help guard against bird flu.
“New Zealand is very fortunate we’re protected from many of these infectious animal diseases by our remote geographic location.”
Van Andel said it’s important for people to be vigilant.
“We are asking people if they see sick or dead birds, more than three in a group, wild birds, that they ring the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66," she said.
Once reported, people should wait for further instructions on what to do and, most importantly, do not touch the birds.
“Seldom, [bird flu] has spilt over into humans, and those humans have become ill. But it's a very rare occurrence indeed.”
If bird flu is detected in New Zealand, Biosecurity New Zealand would be the lead agency coordinating the response, alongside the Department of Conservation and the Ministry of Health Te Whatu Ora.
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