Biosecurity New Zealand is taking further action today to stamp out a high pathogenic strain of avian influenza, H7N6, detected on a commercial egg farm in rural Otago.
"Work started this morning to humanely cull chickens in 2 sheds on a farm managed by Mainland Poultry, where testing confirmed cases of an H7N6 subtype of avian influenza in birds," Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director-general Stuart Anderson says.
"We’ve also placed a precautionary restricted place notice on a small free-range farm near Dunedin, stopping the movement of material on and off the property.
"As is normal in biosecurity responses, we always investigate where illness is identified. The property has around 6,000 birds, with a number of deaths, and testing is underway.
Mr Anderson says the cull at the Mainland Poultry’s egg farm is being carried out by the business and supported by Biosecurity New Zealand.
"The cull is expected to take 2 to 3 days, using the existing industry standard practice of CO2 containerised gas, which farms regularly use to euthanise chickens," Mr Anderson says.
"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," Mr Anderson says.
"The carcasses 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."
Mr Anderson says testing has been conducted at the smaller poultry farm near Dunedin.
"The property is not owned by Mainland Poultry, and we are investigating if there are any links between the first property and this one."
Mr Anderson says testing is being carried out on birds in remaining sheds on Mainland Poultry’s egg farm and at other properties of interest.
"We will continue rigorous testing over the coming days and weeks and will take action as required," Mr Anderson says.
"There had been no reports of concern about other ill or dead birds on other poultry farms.
"Contact tracing has revealed limited movements between Mainland Poultry’s affected farm and some of the other poultry farms in the area."
Mr Anderson is reminding people the risk to human health remains low, and there are 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," Mr Anderson says.
"Raw eggs have always been considered a high-risk food. Our advice remains not to consume or serve raw eggs, especially to those with low or compromised immune systems, as the eggs may contain harmful pathogens, including salmonella."
The 10-kilometre buffer zone around Mainland Poultry’s egg farm will now be referred to as an enhanced surveillance zone.
Biosecurity New Zealand will be increasing its presence on the ground in Otago and has set up a regional control centre today to manage the situation.
"Over 100 staff across MPI, including frontline biosecurity, trade and market access, veterinarians, agriculture, communications, and food safety are contributing to the response and this number is increasing daily as required, both on the ground in Otago and in our operations centre," Mr Anderson says.
Find out more about the strain of bird flu (H7N6) in Otago
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
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