New Zealand: Situation update H7N6 bird flu detection Otago – 4 December 2024

Biosecurity New Zealand is taking further action today to stamp out a high pathogenic strain of avian influenza, H7N6, detected on a commercial egg farm in rural Otago. "Work started this morning to humanely cull chickens in 2 sheds on a farm managed by Mainland Poultry, where testing confirmed cases of an H7N6 subtype of avian influenza in birds," Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director-general Stuart Anderson says. "We’ve also placed a precautionary restricted place notice on a small free-range farm near Dunedin, stopping the movement of material on and off the property. "As is normal in biosecurity responses, we always investigate where illness is identified. The property has around 6,000 birds, with a number of deaths, and testing is underway. Mr Anderson says the cull at the Mainland Poultry’s egg farm is being carried out by the business and supported by Biosecurity New Zealand. "The cull is expected to take 2 to 3 days, using the existing industry standard practice of CO2 ...