Let’s be MPI’s eyes and ears

OPINION: The recent detection of Avian Influenza (AI), a low pathogenicity strain H7N6, at a free-range poultry farm in Otago has the agri sector focused on biosecurity. While the situation is cause for concern, the emphasis is on not panicking but remaining vigilant. The key message? Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility.

Avian Influenza is a highly contagious exotic disease, so it’s appropriate for us to respond comprehensively. However, there’s no need to panic. AI has been successfully managed and eradicated in other parts of the world.

Why biosecurity matters

New Zealand’s poultry industry, though smaller than the dairy sector, is an essential food source and a significant contributor to the economy. Exports were valued at approximately $190 million last year. However, with AI detected locally, export markets are temporarily on hold.

Historically, New Zealand has been free from major poultry diseases like AI, Newcastle Disease and Infectious Bursal Disease, making its poultry products highly sought after. Maintaining this disease-free status relies heavily on biosecurity practices.

AI is especially tricky to manage because of its 14-21 day incubation period. Birds often shed the virus before showing clinical signs, increasing the risk of widespread transmission. This means farmers and the public must be alert to any unusual changes in bird populations – whether domestic, commercial, tame, or wild – and notify the authorities.

What you can do

Taking biosecurity measures does not only apply to commercial poultry farms; it’s relevant for anyone with animals or birds, from dairy herds to pets and the chooks in the backyard.

Biosecurity is simply common sense. It’s not much different to the hygiene practices you’d adopt in a calf shed, equine environment, or a household with children. It’s the steps you take to ensure human and animal health and welfare.

Here are some practical steps to take:

Limit contact with wild birds as much as possible: Wild birds are known carriers of AI and other diseases which can affect poultry. At a minimum, keep food and water sources inaccessible to wild birds.
Maintain hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling chickens or other birds.
Clean housing regularly: Poultry housing should be kept clean, dry, and well-disinfected. Always clean out and disinfect between flocks.
Quarantine new birds: When introducing new birds to your flock, quarantine them for at least 14 days to prevent potential spread of disease.
Avoid unnecessary risks: Don’t let other people visit or handle your birds and don’t visit or handle other people’s birds. If you must, adopt good biosecurity practices, washing your hands, wearing clean clothes and changing your footwear. If you’re visiting a commercial poultry operation, adopt their biosecurity measures.

Industry-wide cooperation

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has taken steps to manage the outbreak. However, everyone in the community has a role to play. We, the people on the ground, must be MPI’s eyes and ears. Reporting unexplained illnesses or sudden deaths in bird populations is extremely important for early detection and control.

Resources and reporting

For detailed guidance on biosecurity and updates on the Avian Influenza outbreak visit the following websites:

If you observe sick or dead birds (the guideline is three or more), report them immediately to MPI’s hotline at 0800 80 99 66.

Natalie Chrystal is an animal nutritionist and president of the World Poultry Science Association NZ Branch.