Strict movement controls have been lifted from an Otago poultry farm following the eradication of a pathogenic strain of avian influenza in chickens at the premises.
The highly pathogenic bird flu strain H7N6 was detected in poultry at Mainland Poultry’s Hillgrove Farm in early December, prompting restrictions to be put in place and the culling of tens of thousands of chickens in the weeks following.
Minsitry for Primary Industries (MPI) moved swiftly to implement strict movement controls on the property to prevent goods or anything else that might be carrying the virus leaving the property.
Chickens on the farm were humanely euthanised and disposed of in a secure landfill, along with eggs, litter and manure from the farm. This was followed by an extensive cleaning and disinfection process.
It comes as the Ministry for Primary Industries announced another unrelated farm is now under precautionary testing. (Source: 1News)
In an update today, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) chief veterinary officer Mary Van Andel said more than 5600 tests have been carried out on samples from poultry and wild birds, including from 36 flocks across 5 farms linked to Mainland’s Hillgrove property.
“HPAI was not found anywhere other than Hillgrove, giving confidence that the disease had been contained and stamped out,” she said.
“The processes we have followed – depopulation and disposal, decontamination of the site and extensive surveillance – give us confidence that the virus has been eradicated.”
“While there is still work to be done, the lifting of movement controls is a significant milestone in the response and means that Mainland Poultry can begin the process of returning to business.”
Van Andel thanked Mainland Poultry for notifying MPI promptly when the disease was suspected and working to stamp it out successfully.
“Good progress is being made to restore trade, with around $300 million of trade in poultry products recovered to date.”
Minister for Biosecurity praises response
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard praised the collaboration among industries and “rapid action” taken to contain and stamp out the disease.
“Rapid action on behalf of the farmer and MPI to stand up a response and restrict movements paid off. Tracing did not detect any HPAI-infected chickens beyond the farm where the disease originated.
He said this has been “important work” as New Zealand’s robust biosecurity system and the relative freedom from pests and disease plays a role in farmers’ competitive advantage.
“This was the first detection of HPAI in New Zealand and it tested some of the plans that are being developed for the arrival of HPAI H5N1.
“It certainly provides a timely reminder that all New Zealanders have a role to play in being prepared and that is through strong biosecurity as an essential first line of defence.”
