Complacency is not an option when it comes to bird flu, according to a poultry industry leader.
Fiona MacMillan, executive director of the Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand, the Egg Producers Federation and the New Zealand Feed Manufacturers Association gave the warning recently.
More than a year after the virus was detected at an Otago egg farm in December 2024 and contained to a single property, she says the outbreak was a clear warning for the industry.
“No chance at all,” she says, when asked whether the industry might be becoming relaxed about the threat.
“Certainly not with the industry people we talk to. Everyone is very aware and focused.”
New Zealand, along with Australia and parts of the South Pacific, remains one of the few regions in the world yet to record the dangerous H5N1 strain of bird flu.
That status is under increasing pressure, with scientists and biosecurity officials warning it is a matter of when, not if.
Bird flu does not discriminate between commercial sheds and backyard hens, putting lifestyle blocks as much at risk as large farms.
Wild birds are considered one of the primary pathways for the virus to reach NZ. Sitting on the East Asian–Australasian migratory flyway means infected birds travelling south could introduce the virus to any property, large or small.
Backyard flocks that have contact with wild birds are particularly vulnerable, and infected birds do not always show symptoms straight away.
“The pathways are via migrating birds,” Fiona notes, adding that marine mammals such as seals and sea lions can also carry the virus.
“So, while we can only guess at what an eventual pathway might be, our job is to get as prepared as possible for an outbreak that could come at any time.”
Helping producers prepare is now a major focus for the industry bodies Fiona leads, working closely with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
“We can’t get to every producer all at once, but we are working on it.” The Poultry Industry Association and the Egg Producers Federation, in collaboration with the ministry, have launched a dedicated website, birdflu.pianz.org.nz, aimed at supporting poultry producers of all sizes.
The site contains guidance on preparing for diseases like H5N1, including tools to help producers develop a biosecurity plan and manage an outbreak if one occurs.
“We at the Poultry Industry Association and the Egg Producers Federation are working very hard with the Ministry for Primary Industries to get the messages out about biosecurity,” Fiona says. “There is a great deal of effort being put into helping our people get prepared.”
Producers contracted to major broiler companies are encouraged to contact those companies directly, while independent egg farmers and lifestyle block owners are urged to use the industry website and seek advice if needed.
“Egg farmers may be in a variety of situations. They may be supplying eggs to a major New Zealand producer or they may work independently. We’d advise them to take a look at the website and reach out to us with any questions.”
Good biosecurity remains the frontline defence, from limiting contact with wild birds to securing feed, water and visitor access.
New Zealand’s relative isolation has provided valuable time to prepare while other countries continue to deal with repeated waves of infection.
“Given that our luck is unlikely to hold forever, we are grateful that the delay has given us time to think and prepare and to learn from other countries who are still getting wave after wave of infections.”
Whether running a large commercial operation or keeping a few chickens at home, Fiona says now is the time to have a plan in place.
