Two of Nelson’s foremost conservation organisations are braced to protect our rare, native species from bird flu.
While the deadly H5 strain of bird flu sweeping the world has not yet reached the South Island, New Zealand having identified just two cases in the Wellington region so far, Natureland Zoo and Brook Waimārama Sanctuary say they are prepared.
Natureland, in Tāhunanui, undertakes conservation work, such as through its breed and release programme for native birds.
Manager Leah Foster was concerned about the spread of bird flu, but the zoo had been preparing for its arrival for “some time”.
“We’ve got some amazing birds here, and everything’s at real risk.”
In recent years, Natureland has removed most of the free-ranging birds, such as chickens and guinea fowl.
“We didn’t want those free-ranging birds that can interact with wild birds and then move around the park.”
The peacocks remain, but the process for feeding them has changed to remove seagulls from the area.
Since bird flu has arrived in the country, Natureland has paused its Kea Talk sessions.
“The kea often come down for that experience and interact with people, and we’re just trying to avoid that at the moment.”
Natureland’s biosecurity measures already involve having dedicated sets of work shoes that remain on-site, but staff with birds at home will now also leave their uniform on-site.
The zoo’s Conservation Corner was a high priority with its population of vulnerable and endangered birds.
Shoes and tools used in the area were bleached to avoid contamination, while hand sanitiser has also been installed at its walkthrough aviary.
Further measures are planned should bird flu arrive on the South Island.
“We would ramp up our quarantine procedure, and we would close our aviaries to the public,” Leah says.
The Northern Hemisphere has been dealing with bird flu for a while now, and Natureland has been in contact with other zoos who have experience with the virus.
Leah expected Natureland to remain open to the public if bird flu spreads, apart from its aviaries, and that the zoo’s measures could be implemented and removed as needed.
The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, just south of Nelson, has an ever-growing population of rare native birds, including kiwi, kākā, and kakariki karaka.
With the sanctuary encircled by its 14.3km predator-proof fence and served by a single public entrance, chief executive Chris McCormack said the sanctuary was well-positioned.
“For the likes of the kiwi and tuatara… people aren’t actually interacting with them directly,” he says.
“We’re not invincible, of course, but the risk for that is still quite low.”
Should bird flu arrive in the region, the key change would be the feeding regime for the kākā, with feeding and weighing limited to specific staff, with closing the sanctuary entirely a “last resort”.
The most likely way for bird flu to enter the sanctuary would be if a New Zealand falcon/kārearea predated on an infected bird, Chris says.
But with the sanctuary being removed from the coastal environment, he thought that was unlikely.
“We’re not hugely concerned, but we’re just keeping a good watchful eye on any changes and developments that might arise.”
Nelson City Council provides operational funding to both organisations.
Last week, Mayor Nick Smith expressed particular concern for the kiwi at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary.
“Species will be knocked around, whether it be sparrows and other birds. Our focus needs to be on those species that are already very vulnerable, such as those that are amongst our endangered species.”
The council’s environmental programmes adviser, Richard Frizzell, says the city was “well-prepared” for the flu’s arrival.
Nelson was working “very closely” with Tasman and had prepared a joint preparedness plan for the region, and was in regular contact with the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Personal protective equipment and signage had been bought, disposal guidance drafted, high-risk sites identified, and communications prepared, Richard says.
“We’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide information to the public… Basically, the message is to be alert and not alarmed. We’re advising people to be vigilant and to report three or more dead or injured or diseased birds.”
People are urged to keep themselves and their pets away from sick and dead birds, and clean their clothes, shoes, and other gear when travelling between wildlife areas.
Sightings of three or more sick or dead wild birds, marine mammals, or other wildlife, should be reported by calling the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
“It’s really important that people do take this seriously because it is a real thing, and it can have some really serious ramifications around native wildlife,” Leah says.
