A case of the H5 bird flu has been confirmed in New Zealand this afternoon.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard said an infected brown skua was found on Petone Beach in Wellington.
The single ocean-going seabird returned a positive test for the virus.
Hoggard said H5 bird flu is a low health risk to the public as it rarely affects humans unless there is direct, close, and prolonged contact with large numbers of sick birds.
"Eggs and poultry remain safe to eat."
The case is H5 bird flu strain, H5N1 avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4b, which has been circulating globally and is the first detection in New Zealand.
Hoggard said it was a “coastal detection in an individual ocean-going seabird and there is no evidence of any mass mortality in wildlife or transmission between wild birds in New Zealand”.
“There has been no detection in poultry.”
The situation was being closely monitored, the minister said.
Biosecurity Minister will meet with Australian counterpart this week to discuss the outbreak there. (Source: 1News)
“At this stage there is no evidence of any illness beyond this seabird. We’ve had people out on Petone Beach checking and found no other issues. We will continue to monitor the beach and surrounding areas.”
Warning issued
Hoggard asked the community to remain alert and follow advice about reporting sick or dead birds.
"It is vital that people do not touch or handle unwell birds.
"The Ministry for Primary Industries will continue its wider surveillance and work closely with industry, veterinarians, and wildlife carers."
Hoggard said preparations had already been made to respond to the virus' arrival.
"Our response is designed to manage the risks of H5 bird flu, to protect poultry production, and reduce impacts on wildlife and communities."
MPI was testing birds every few days through reports and targeted wildlife surveillance.
“Australia has recently experienced finds of single birds with H5 bird flu in coastal areas with no reports of mass mortalities. We may see a similar pattern here and we will remain vigilant.
"We are continuing to act early and prepare carefully, while asking the community to remain watchful and report three or more sick or dead birds in a group to the MPI pest and disease hotline."
Yesterday, 1News reported the Department of Conservation had started a vaccination programme aimed at protecting five of New Zealand's most endangered birds.
As a highly infectious strain of H5N1 bird flu spreads around the world, natives such as the kākapō and takahē are being protected. (Source: 1News)
What to do
According to the Ministry for Primary Industries, people who spot three or more sick or dead birds should report the sighting to the exotic and pest disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
The following details would be helpful when making a report:
- Common name or species of sick or dead bird if known
- How many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number of birds present
- A GPS reading or other precise location information
- Photographs and videos of sick and dead birds
- How many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number of birds present.
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