New Zealand has temporarily suspended poultry exports in response to the discovery of H7N6, a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza at a commercial egg farm in Otago. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard confirmed the export ban, emphasizing the necessity of resolving the situation on the affected farm before exports can resume.
“Until we’ve cleaned up the situation on this farm, and assuming no other issues pop up elsewhere, then we will be able to export again,” Hoggard stated during an interview with Radio New Zealand. He highlighted that the maximum incubation period for the virus is 21 days, providing a timeframe within which they expect to have a clearer understanding of the situation.
In addition, Biosecurity New Zealand’s deputy director-general, Stuart Anderson, reported that tests have identified further cases of the H7N6 subtype in chickens from a second production shed located at the farm, operated by Mainland Poultry. The property, situated in Hillgrove near Moeraki, is currently under stringent biosecurity protocols designed to restrict the movement of birds, poultry products, feed, and equipment.
To mitigate the risk of the virus spreading further, approximately 80,000 layer hens from two sheds will be humanely culled using CO2 gas. The culling process, scheduled to start on Wednesday, is expected to take between two to three days. Anderson reiterated that human health risks remain low and assured the public there are no food safety or wildlife concerns.
Following the culling, thorough cleaning and disinfection of the affected sheds will be conducted. Repopulation of the sheds will only occur once biosecurity clearance is obtained. Meanwhile, testing is actively being carried out across other areas of the property, and no signs of avian influenza have been detected in neighboring poultry farms to date. Specialists, including three veterinarians from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), are currently engaged in investigations, exploring connections to six other poultry farms and collecting relevant samples.
It’s worth noting that this is not the first biosecurity challenge this farm has faced; an outbreak of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Type 1 occurred in 2019.
By understanding these developments and their implications for the food and beverage industry, stakeholders can better navigate the evolving landscape of food and drink consumer trends. It’s essential to stay informed about biosecurity measures in place to maintain the integrity of poultry products, which are vital to the food and drink business ecosystem.
