Why our future depends on taking biosecurity seriously
OPINION: When it comes to biosecurity, we often hear about the end of a response, but it’s the beginning that helps determine our success.
Biosecurity New Zealand says it has placed strict movement controls on a commercial egg farm in Otago.
Stuart Anderson, Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director-general, says tests from the Mainland Poultry managed farm identified a high pathogenic H7N6 subtype of avian influenza.
“While it is not the H5N1 type circulating among wildlife around the world that has caused concern, we are taking the find seriously,” Anderson says.
He says testing shows it is unrelated to the H7 strain identified in Australia earlier this year.
Anderson adds that Biosecurity New Zealand believes that this specific case may have happened as part of a spillover event, where laying hens foraging outside of the shed were exposed to a low pathogenic virus from wild waterfowl.
“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,” he says.
“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.”
Prior to the test result, there had been no reports of other ill or dead birds on other poultry farms and there are no human food safety concerns.
It is safe to consume thoroughly cooked egg and poultry products.
Anderson says quick action was taken in co-operation with Mainland Poultry and a restricted place notice has been issued.
“Test results late last night confirmed the strain, but we already had restrictions in place and expert biosecurity staff on site, with more arriving today. Mainland Poultry took the right steps by reporting ill birds in one shed on the property and locking that building down as testing continued,” he says.
“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.
“We aim to stamp this out like we did with infectious bursal viral disease that affected chickens in 2019,” Anderson says.
“Importantly, the farm has strong biosecurity standards and Mainland is helping with ongoing investigation and tracing of animal movements.
“We have put a lot of effort in with the poultry and egg sector, the Department of Conservation, and Ministry of Health to prepare for H5N1 and that puts us in a good position to deal with the less virulent H7N6 strain found on this farm.
“If anyone sees 3 or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 so we can investigate the cause.”
John McKay, chief executive of Mainland Poultry, which manages the free-range farm, says it is committed to taking swift action.
“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,” McKay says.
“Fortunately, this is not the H5N1 type that has caused concern for wildlife in other parts of the world. International experience with avian influenza has shown us this particular strain (H7N6) can be eradicated quickly and successfully. “
““We will be working closely with MPI to depopulate the affected shed, ensure rigorous testing of all other birds on the farm and manage the situation effectively. I’m confident with swift action and collaboration we can eradicate this,” he concludes.
Like many manufacturers around the world, European agricultural machinery and tractor manufacturers are currently operating in a difficult market environment. But they are heading to the world’s largest agricultural machinery event in Hanover next month with a degree of cautious optimism.
Established in 2021, the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards champion the important contribution parts and service technicians make to the Australian and New Zealand agriculture, construction and forestry industries.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.
New Zealand is closer to eradicating bovine TB than ever before, but possums remain a threat, says Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.
The ACT Party says media reports that global dairy giant Nestle has withdrawn from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance shows why New Zealand needs to rethink its approach to climate.
OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…