A precautionary restricted place notice has been placed on a small-free range farm in Dunedin today after a number of bird deaths.
The property has around 6000 birds, Biosecurity NZ deputy director-general Stuart Anderson confirmed.
In a statement, he said testing was underway at the farm, and it had not yet been determined whether the illness and deaths were related to the H7N6 avian influenza found at a Mainland Poultry Otago farm earlier this week.
“As is normal in biosecurity responses, we always investigate where illness is identified. The property has around 6000 birds, with a number of deaths, and testing is underway.”
Anderson confirmed the latest property of interest was not owned by Mainland Poultry, and officials were “investigating if there are any links between the first property and this one”.
It comes as the Ministry for Primary Industries announced another unrelated farm is now under precautionary testing. (Source: 1News)
“We will continue rigorous testing over the coming days and weeks and will take action as required.”
There had been no reports of concern about other ill or dead birds on other poultry farms, he said.
“Contract tracing has revealed limited movements between Mainland Poultry’s affected farm and some of the other poultry farms in the area.”
Anderson also reiterated the risk to human health remained low, and there were no concerns for food safety or wildlife.
“Avian influenza viruses are killed by cooking, so it remains safe to eat thoroughly cooked egg and poultry products.”
Raw eggs have “always” been considered a high-risk food, and Anderson said the official advice continues to be to not consume or serve raw eggs, especially to those with low or compromised immune systems, as the eggs may contain harmful pathogens, including salmonella.
A 10km buffer zone around Mainland Poultry’s egg farm would now be referred to as an enhanced surveillance zone.
Biosecurity NZ said it would increase its presence on the ground in Otago and has set up a regional control centre today to manage the situation.
Testing results expected today on remaining barns at affected egg farm, Andrew Hoggard says. (Source: Breakfast)
Cull underway at Mainland Poultry farm
Biosecurity NZ deputy director-general Stuart Anderson said work started this morning to “humanely cull chickens” in two sheds on the farm managed by Mainland Poultry.
The cull was being carried out by the business, supported by Biosecurity NZ, and was expected to take “two to three days”.
It would be done using “industry standard practice of CO2 containerised gas, which farms regularly use to euthanise chickens”, he added.
“The carcasses, along with litter from the affected sheds, will be transported to a secure landfill in Southland, equipped to take this kind of waste.
“The carcases will be loaded directly onto trucks with a leak-proof plastic lining, which has been thoroughly tested.
“It’s important to point out the landfill has specific features to prevent the leaching of materials into the environment, including impermeable layers, and a process of routine monitoring.
“The disposal will be in a deep pit and in an area well away from any public access, and the landfill will be closed during this process.”
Mainland Poultry chief executive John McKay said the company would take “every precaution to ensure the safe and secure disposal of chickens and waste materials from the affected sheds”.
“This is a very distressing situation for our team, who are deeply committed to bird welfare,” he said.
“Culling decisions are upsetting, but everyone understands they are necessary to control the spread of the virus. Workplace support is in place to help staff during this difficult time.
“Mainland Poultry remains committed to the welfare of its birds, the wellbeing of its staff and the responsible management of the situation. We will be doing everything in our power to eradicate the virus.”
Earlier today, Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety Andrew Hoggard said key testing results had expected today to determine whether the bird flu had spread to other properties.
He said six farms in total were tested but not all of them were “that concerning”.
New Zealand’s poultry exports were on hold until the outbreak of the influenza was eradicated.
