MPI Boss Says H5N1 Will Inevitably Reach New Zealand
Don’t worry about it but just be aware - that’s the message from Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director-general Ray Smith as the H5N1 strain of bird flu is found in Australia.
By New Year's Eve, MPI and Biosecurity NZ had successfully located and destroyed 39 queen hornets, 26 of which had been nest building, according to Apiarist's Advocate, thanks to intensive trapping and monitoring.
But NZBI says MPI needs to "shed the lone hero persona" and "must expect and receive full-throated community and industry support".
NZBI says it just wants MPI to think more long-term and more nationwide about the response to the yellow peril.
Read More:
- Biosecurity NZ urges vigilance for yellow-legged hornets
- Biosecurity NZ ramps up hunt for yellow-legged hornet on Auckland's North Shore
