9927 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

9927 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What recent investments or initiatives, if any, have been aimed at enhancing laboratory capacity and diagnostic capabilities for detecting avian influenza strains, including H5N1, in New Zealand?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that diagnostic public health laboratories are equipped to detect influenza A viruses, with referral pathways available to conduct further testing to identify the H5N1 influenza A virus when and where appropriate. I am further advised that the larger laboratories routinely distinguish between some influenza A viruses. Further testing specifically for H5N1 is available at Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) in Kenepuru, Wellington and LabPlus based in Auckland.