A native kāhu, or swamp harrier hawk, found in the Wairarapa is the second bird in New Zealand confirmed with H5 bird flu, prompting the Government to ramp up its response on the ground.
The kāhu infection follows the country's first case, confirmed earlier this week in a brown skua seabird found at Petone Beach. There has been no detection in poultry.
A native kāhu is the second bird in NZ confirmed with H5 bird flu - Watch on TVNZ+
The kāhu infection follows the country's first case, confirmed earlier this week in a brown skua seabird found at Petone Beach. (Source: 1News)
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard said the find was disappointing but not unexpected, and showed the country's surveillance and testing programme was working well.
"As a result, we will step up our actions in response to bird flu in close co-ordination with our industry partners and others," he said in a statement today.
Extra checking of birds would take place at selected sites in the Wairarapa over coming days, while MPI and industry would offer one-on-one support to poultry and egg operations in Wellington and the Wairarapa. A technical advisory group of expert scientists would also be established.
'We will have to learn to live with it' – Biosecurity Minister
Hoggard said hawks could pick up the virus by hunting, eating or scavenging infected birds, and often headed to the coast to hunt in winter.
The Government supported free range farmers temporarily housing their birds as a precaution, although he said that remained an individual decision for businesses.
"We will have to learn to live with bird flu as it cannot be eradicated," he said, adding that chicken and eggs remained safe to eat and the virus posed a very low risk to human health.
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)
DOC extends vaccination programme
Potaka said DOC had so far given first vaccinations to 67 birds from six species or populations, with boosters continuing over coming weeks. The programme covers 300 core breeding birds from five of the most endangered species, including kākāpō and takahē.
A second tranche of vaccinations had been approved by MPI's Chief Veterinary Officer, with the final list of species deliberately left open so DOC could respond to new detections and emerging risks.
Hoggard thanked the public for responding to calls for notifications over the past week and reminded people not to touch unwell birds.
SHARE ME