New Zealand has confirmed a second case of H5 bird flu after a kāhu (swamp harrier hawk) found in the Wairarapa ‘tested positive’ for the virus.
The detection follows confirmation earlier this week of the country’s first case in a brown skua discovered at Petone Beach. Bureaucrats say there have been no cases detected in poultry and the risk to human health remains very low.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard said the latest case was not unexpected and demonstrated that New Zealand’s nationwide bird flu surveillance programme was successfully identifying infections. In response, authorities will increase monitoring of wild birds at selected Wairarapa sites, provide additional support and biosecurity advice to poultry and egg producers in Wellington and the Wairarapa, and establish a technical advisory group of scientists to support the response.
Hoggard said swamp harriers can become infected by hunting or scavenging diseased birds, particularly along the coast during winter. He encouraged poultry farmers to maintain strict on-farm biosecurity, adding that free-range operators may choose to temporarily house their birds as a precaution while officials assess the spread of the virus. He also reiterated that chicken and eggs remain safe to eat and urged the public not to touch sick or dead birds, instead reporting them to authorities.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said the Department of Conservation had been preparing for the arrival of H5 bird flu for several years and continues to work alongside Biosecurity New Zealand, iwi and conservation organisations to protect native wildlife. The department’s vaccination programme for endangered bird species is continuing, with 67 birds from six species or populations having received their first dose so far. Approval has also been granted to expand vaccinations to additional priority species as officials respond to evolving risks.
DOC said ‘vaccination’ is only one part of its response, which also includes increased surveillance, strengthened biosecurity measures, support for wildlife facilities, and ongoing monitoring to protect New Zealand’s most vulnerable native bird populations.
So sick to death of this Sh1t. Look at the way MSM keeps pumping it up. Proving what a bunch of lying losers they are. This is why I have permanently turned my TV off in May 2020. Just a load of propaganda and BS. DEFUND THEM from taxpayers money NOW.