9931 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for Biosecurity

9931 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister for Biosecurity: What actions, if any, is the government taking to monitor and prevent the spread of avian influenza among poultry populations in New Zealand to minimize the risk of transmission to humans?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: I am advised that the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has many systems in place to prevent high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) entering New Zealand on those pathways that can be managed, and to ensure early detection if it does arrive. This includes strong border security checks for travellers coming into New Zealand who have had contact with poultry and/or wild birds, and for risk items and cargo. MPI is working with the Department of Conservation (DOC), the Ministry of Health, Health New Zealand and stakeholders on plans to mitigate the impact of HPAI if it arrives in New Zealand. New Zealand has never had a case of HPAI. MPI is actively monitoring disease spread, overseas developments and is working closely with poultry industry groups, veterinarians, wildlife hospitals and rehabilitation centres on monitoring and awareness to enable early detection. Work is also ongoing with Fish & Game New Zealand to conduct annual summer field surveillance programmes at non-migratory waterfowl sites, and with DOC on any suspected exotic diseases in wild bird populations, including native birds. If HPAI is detected in New Zealand and/or its territories, Biosecurity New Zealand (a business unit within MPI) will be the lead agency and will coordinate any response. Messaging to the public has been distributed that if any sick or dead birds with signs consistent with HPAI are found, to contact Biosecurity New Zealand’s Exotic Pest and Disease hotline.