81861 (2024). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity

Written Question

Published date: 21 Jan 2025

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	81861 (2024)
Question asked:	15 Dec 2024
Member asking:	Hon Jo Luxton
Portfolio:	Minister for Biosecurity
Minister replying:	Hon Andrew Hoggard
Answer received:	23 Dec 2024
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_81861_2024
Document guid:	5a58d3e7-2f56-47b8-afde-4920920ac6fd

81861 (2024). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity: What is MPI’s scientific capability for dealing with bird flu?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: The Ministry for Primary Industries maintains the National Animal Health Laboratory (AHL), which enables MPI to conduct prompt and accurate diagnostic testing for harmful animal diseases and pests. I am advised its veterinarians, scientific and technical staff are experts in veterinary bacteriology, virology, immunology, genomics, and other disciplines. The laboratory utilises highly sophisticated equipment and modern rapid diagnostic techniques and is the only lab in New Zealand capable of culturing a wide range of viruses and bacteria of biosecurity importance.