New Zealand Contains Bird Flu Outbreak to Single Farm

Auckland, New Zealand – New Zealand officials have successfully contained a recent outbreak of bird flu to a single poultry farm in the Otago region, according to a statement by the Ministry for Primary Industries on Tuesday.

The outbreak was first detected on December 1st at Mainland Poultry, an egg farm, which tested positive for the high pathogenic H7N6 subtype of avian influenza. While this strain is less concerning than the H5N1 strain currently circulating globally, it triggered the immediate halt of NZ$190 million ($107 million) worth of poultry product exports.

Thorough Testing Confirms Confinement

The Ministry for Primary Industries conducted extensive testing on thousands of samples from 36 flocks across five farms linked to the initial site. All samples tested negative for the virus, confirming that the outbreak is contained to the single property.

“It is a significant number of tests and gives us confidence that this virus has been contained to just the one property and that we are on track to stamp out this disease,” said Chief Veterinary Officer Mary van Andel.

Clear Incubation-Period Testing for Exports

This positive outcome provides critical information for ongoing discussions with international trading partners regarding the resumption of New Zealand poultry exports. Some products meeting bird flu heat treatment requirements are already being exported to Australia. The Ministry will work with Mainland Poultry to determine a suitable stand-down period for the affected property following decontamination.

The ministry is also actively assisting the affected farmer with compensation matters.

Stay informed about the latest developments in poultry health and export regulations at bloomberg.com.