4032 (2024). Lan Pham to the Minister for Biosecurity

4032 (2024). Lan Pham to the Minister for Biosecurity: Does the Minister consider there is sufficient resources available to monitor and respond to the potential arrival of Avian Flu?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: I am advised Avian Influenza is one of the many biosecurity threats to New Zealand, and we must allocate resources to cover a wide range of contingencies. I am advised there are sufficient resources to conduct surveillance for the arrival of Avian Influenza, bearing in mind that it is most likely to be carried to New Zealand by migratory birds. Resources needed to carry out a response will depend upon the location and scale of any incursion, which is challenging to predict. The Ministry for Primary Industries is preparing for a number of scenarios, alongside the Department of Conservation and Ministry of Health.