Biosecurity New Zealand site

[Sally Furniss]

Avian Influenza
This disease is NOT present in New Zealand
Report suspect avian influenza cases to Biosecurity New Zealand's exotic pests and diseases hotline on 0800 80 99 66
General Information

Avian Influenza is a disease of birds. There are many strains of avian influenza viruses naturally present in many species of wild birds, especially water fowl (ducks and geese). Most are harmless and do not cause disease in human or birds.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a severe form of the disease that spreads quickly, causing sudden death in poultry. The H5N1 (Asian strain) avian influenza virus, commonly referred to as bird flu is HPAI.

• Avian Influenza: Factsheet (133 Kb)
• How to keep your birds safe and healthy: Factsheet (170 Kb)
• 8 Tips to keep birds healthy: Poster (101 Kb)

• Frequently Asked Questions

Media Releases

• Surveillance confirms commercial poultry meat free from avian influenza (20 July 2006)
• NZ Poultry Meat Industry free of Avian Influenza (19 July 2006)
• MAF staffer aids in fight against Avian flu (April 2004)

Public notices

• Advice to poultry farmers

Management

• Response Policies

Useful Resources

• Ministry of Health
• New Zealand Food Safety Authority FAQ
• Global Invasive Species Database

 

[kiwibird]

Re: Biosecurity New Zealand site

Am I correct in my assumption that no data has been published on domestic/commercial poultry AI tests since 2006?

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: Biosecurity New Zealand site

From the Biosecurity site

Imported feathers investigated
A member of the public reported cushions imported from
China that were stuffed with duck feathers and had a foul odour.
The informant was concerned that the odour might signify
unsatisfactory cleaning of feathers prior to importation. Quarantine
documents appeared in order and indicated the feathers had been
treated by washing with detergent and drying at 120 C for 30
minutes. Feathers from a single cushion were examined at the IDC
and found to be clean and dry. They were PCR negative for avian
influenza and were negative for salmonella species. There was a mild
mixed growth of other bacterial species perhaps accounting for the
apparent odour. Surveillance 35(2), 37-39, 2008 http://www.biosecurity.govt.nzDuring 2007,


With the AHL, nearly 5,000 tests were conducted as part of MAF’s ongoing avian influenza and other surveillance programmes.


This from the National Centre for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease - Wallaceville

Current projects
A study into avian influenza in backyard poultry flocks in NZ (click on the links below to download the papers on this project).

• Surveillance Research Project (69kb PDF )
• Information Sheet for Farmers Cross Sectional Study 2008 (76kb PDF )
• Information Sheet for Farmers Cohort Study 2007 (76kb PDF )