39647 (2026). Lan Pham to the Minister for Biosecurity

Written Question

Published date: 18 Sep 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	39647 (2026)
Question asked:	06 Sep 2026
Member asking:	Lan Pham
Portfolio:	Minister for Biosecurity
Minister replying:	Hon Andrew Hoggard
Answer received:	14 Sep 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_39647_2026
Document guid:	d31a5770-3d80-4ab9-9dc8-ab454e8f4235

39647 (2026). Lan Pham to the Minister for Biosecurity: Following Reply 36967 (2026), when did the Government first start responding to the H5N1 strain of HPAI (High pathogenicity avian influenza)?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: Biosecurity New Zealand’s (BNZ) readiness and response planning has extended over many years with the aim of reducing the impact on native species; reduce the impact on the commercial poultry sector; maintaining supply of poultry meat and eggs to the domestic market and maintaining access to overseas markets where possible; and protecting human health. I am advised that BNZ started responding to the H5N1 strain of high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) on 14 July 2026, when it was first confirmed in a brown skua which tested positive for Influenza A virus and the H5 subtype.