Tests and surveillance indicate that high pathogenic avian influenza has been restricted to a single Mainland Poultry farm, Hillgrove, located in Otago. A separate small farm close to Dunedin that was tested this week has been verified as free from HPAI. Ongoing monitoring and initial test outcomes reveal no infection across 5 additional Mainland Poultry […]
Tests and surveillance indicate that high pathogenic avian influenza has been restricted to a single Mainland Poultry farm, Hillgrove, located in Otago.
A separate small farm close to Dunedin that was tested this week has been verified as free from HPAI.
Ongoing monitoring and initial test outcomes reveal no infection across 5 additional Mainland Poultry properties associated with the Hillgrove farm, where depopulation efforts are ongoing.
As anticipated, a third shed on the Hillgrove site has returned positive results for HPAI, and the 40,000 chickens housed there will be depopulated in the days ahead.
A fourth shed, also holding 40,000 chickens, has not yet tested positive, but we plan to carry out depopulation as it is highly probable that it is infected.
The combined total of chickens to be depopulated from the 4 sheds will reach 160,000 birds. The farm continues to operate under stringent biosecurity measures.
No instances of sick poultry have been reported elsewhere across the country.
There is no threat to the supply of eggs and chicken in New Zealand due to the size of the national flock, nor are there any concerns regarding food safety or human health.
For additional information and general inquiries, please call MPI at 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
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