Biosecurity New Zealand has today confirmed the high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus remains confined to a single Mainland Poultry property, Hillgrove, in Otago following further testing and monitoring.
An unconnected small farm near Dunedin that underwent testing during the week has been confirmed free of HPAI.
Continued monitoring and preliminary test results show no infection on five other Mainland Poultry properties linked to the Hillgrove farm, where depopulation is continuing, the Ministry for Primary Industries said in a statement.
“As expected, a third shed on the Hillgrove property has tested positive for HPAI and its 40,000 chickens will be depopulated in the coming days,” it said.
“A fourth shed, with 40,000 chickens, is yet to test positive but we are planning to depopulate it as it is highly likely to be infected.
“The total number of chickens depopulated from the 4 sheds will be 160,000 birds. The farm remains under strict biosecurity lockdown.”
There have been no reports of sick poultry elsewhere in the country.
There remains no risk to eggs and chicken supply in New Zealand given the size of the national flock, nor any issues for food safety and human health, said the Ministry.
