A ‘high pathogenic’ H7N6 strain of bird flu has been confirmed at a commercial egg farm in rural Otago, New Zealand.
The affected farm, Hillgrove Egg Farm, managed by Mainland Poultry, houses approximately 40,000 chickens. Following the identification of the virus, immediate measures were implemented, including the mass culling operation, which was scheduled for Tuesday.
“While it is not the H5N1 type circulating among wildlife around the world that has caused concern, we are taking the find seriously,” Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director-general Stuart Anderson said.
According to Anderson, there had been no indications of additional infections to date.
Chickens in other barns at the infected farm were not exhibiting any symptoms of influenza.
“Low pathogenic viruses are present in wild birds here, especially waterfowl like ducks, geese, and swans, and the virus can mutate on interaction with chickens.”
“It is important to note that the strain found on this farm is not a wildlife-adapted strain like H5N1, so we believe it is unlikely to be transmitted to mammals.”
“We already had restrictions in place and expert biosecurity staff on site, with more arriving today (Monday). Mainland Poultry took the right steps by reporting ill birds in one shed on the property and locking that building down as testing continued.”
“We will move quickly with Mainland Poultry to depopulate birds on the remote property, and we’ve placed a 10-kilometre buffer zone around it alongside the restrictions preventing movement of animals, equipment, and feed.”
John McKay, chief executive of Mainland Poultry, also commented, “We have been preparing for an event like this for some time, knowing that low-pathogenic avian influenza is already present in New Zealand wild birds. Fortunately, this is not the H5N1 type that has caused concern for wildlife in other parts of the world.”
“We will be working closely with MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) to depopulate the affected shed, ensure rigorous testing of all other birds on the farm, and manage the situation effectively.”
“International experience with avian influenza has shown us this particular strain can be eradicated quickly and successfully.”
“The farm has strong biosecurity standards, and Mainland is helping with ongoing investigation and tracing of animal movements,” Anderson added.
The executive director of the Poultry Industry Association and Egg Producers Federation, Michael Brooks, expressed confidence that the outbreak is confined to a single farm.
He also emphasised that consumers can feel confident about the safety of poultry products.
The Ministry for Primary Industries is also not worried about the potential risks to human health or food safety, affirming that it remains safe to consume thoroughly cooked egg and poultry products.