58118 (2024). Lan Pham to the Minister of Conservation

58118 (2024). Lan Pham to the Minister of Conservation: What preparation has been made, if any, to prepare and protect indigenous wildlife from an incursion of avian flu?

Hon Tama Potaka: The Department of Conservation is working closely with the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand (as One Health agencies) to monitor the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (avian flu) overseas and prepare for an incursion in New Zealand wildlife. This includes work to enhance monitoring and surveillance for early detection of avian flu in wildlife. The One Health agencies are also developing guidance so that relevant parties can safely protect and manage indigenous wildlife in the case of an incursion. The Department of Conservation is undertaking a vaccine safety and efficacy trial for five critically endangered native species, reviewing the feasibility of vaccination for other threatened native species and incorporating avian flu management actions into species recovery plans.