81845 (2024). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity

81845 (2024). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity: What, if any, specific measures are being implemented to protect cage-free poultry from potential bird flu outbreaks?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: In preparation for the arrival of the H5N1 strain circulating globally in wild birds, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) officials have been collaborating closely with the commercial poultry representatives, including from cage-free operators, to improve industry awareness, understanding and readiness and response capability. Industry representatives including those of the Egg producers Federation understand cage free systems (including free range), may be at increased risk of exposure to H5N1 from wild birds. MPI is also working closely with the poultry sector to improve industry readiness and response capability at the farm level and nationally.