New Zealand is preparing for a possible arrival of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) after the virus was detected in a wild seabird in Western Australia, a senior official said on Saturday, News.Az reports, citing Xinhua.
Several government agencies have increased monitoring and preparedness measures in response to the detection, Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety Andrew Hoggard said in a statement.
"Since the H5N1 strain of bird flu started spreading around the world, New Zealand's geographical isolation has protected us and given us time to prepare," Hoggard said.
Australia has confirmed the presence of the H5N1 2.3.4.4b strain of bird flu in a migratory seabird in Western Australia, while a nearby giant petrel is also suspected to have been infected. No cases among poultry or reports of large-scale bird deaths have been recorded.
"We are watching the situation closely and remain in close contact with Australian authorities," Hoggard said. He added that New Zealand cannot stop the virus from arriving through wild birds and that eliminating it would likely be difficult if it becomes established among native bird populations.
The minister called on farmers, backyard poultry owners, and people involved in outdoor activities to improve biosecurity measures and report groups of sick or dead birds.
He also said there is no food safety concern and that the risk to human health remains low.
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