Bird Flu Threatening to Spread Nearly a Week After Initial Outbreak
Photo: Unsplash
- No further infections detected SO far at original outbreak site
- Investigations underway at a Dunedin farm
- Dunedin farm not connected to the six farms initially identified as being at risk
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) says it’s confident it has the resources needed if a bird flu outbreak continues to spread.
Initial Reports from MPI on Thursday indicated that ongoing testing on other farms operated by Mainland Poultry wasn’t showing any further signs of disease. However, concerns remain, especially surrounding a smaller free-range poultry farm near Dunedin which is not connected to Mainland Poultry and was not among six farms initially identified as at risk. Samples are expected to be delivered on Thursday or Friday. The farm remains under restrictions.
About 1000 samples have been sent to the operating laboratory in Wallaceville, Upper Hutt for testing.
While everyone waits to see if the virus will appear at a second farm, one conservation biologist warns that, despite its benefits for the welfare of birds, the logistics of free-range farm operations make them exceptionally risky.
Auckland University conservation biologist Dianne Brunton explains she wouldn’t be surprised if the infection is discovered elsewhere.
“It’s incredibly contagious, and without completely understanding the practices on each farm – how free-range players move around, how eggs are collected and transported, we can’t say it’s definitely not connected at this point.”
Brunton added, “I wouldn’t be surprised if it does get discovered on a number of other farms in the region. The connections could be very small because the virus spreads so easily. To understand how this is spreading, we need to understand those connections.”
It’s believed that the laying hens foraging outdoors at one Otago farm contracted the H7N6 strain through a low pathogenic virus carried by wild waterfowl.
But Brunton cautions that, although benign in wild birds, this strain can become highly pathogenic in crowded free-range poultry farms because of the large number of birds housed there.
“Free-ranging is beneficial because it improves animal welfare, but you’re still keeping tens of thousands of birds together in an extremely unnatural setting. These flocks have little genetic diversity; they are all the same breeds, practically identical, and that environment creates a perfect incubator,” states Brunton.
Trimming Losses and Cleaning Up After the Outbreak
The toll of the outbreak is evident as culling at the Moeraki site continues using CO2 containerised gas to remove over 80,000 birds.
Mainland Poultry CEO John McKay confirmed the carcasses are being moved to a secure landfill, along with other materials on site including manure, leisure, the remains of eggs and PPE.
“All those materials are being transported securely to a high security landfill in Southland,” McKay said. effectively minimizing any chance of further contamination.
Meanwhile, MPI director-general Ray Smith addressed the situation before the select committee, expressing confidence in the ability to manage the outbreak
“What is reassuring is our organizational efficiency, our ability to unleash all available personnel. We are currently managing the workload effectively, and we’ve handled things well. But if this thing starts spreading to a lot of farms at once, that presents a significant shift in the situation,” Smith says.
Smith stressed that discussions are underway to determine how best to support farmers impacted by the outbreak.
Testing will continue for several weeks since the incubation period for this strain can be up to 21 days, ensuring that no further cases are undetected.
Could free-range farming practices inadvertently contribute to the spread of avian influenza due to the movement of birds and potential for virus transmission between flocks?
## Bird Flu Threat: Is Free-Range Farming to Blame?
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show.
Today we’re diving into the developing news of the bird flu outbreak in New Zealand, nearly a week after the initial discovery. Joining me is Dr. Dianne Brunton, a conservation biologist at the University of Auckland, to shed some light on the situation. Dr. Brunton, thanks for being here.
**Dr. Brunton:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** As viewers may know, the outbreak originated at a Mainland Poultry farm in Otago, but there are now concerns about a potentially separate case at a smaller farm near Dunedin.
What’s your take on the situation and the potential for further spread?
**Dr. Brunton:** It’s certainly a concerning situation. This H7N6 strain can be incredibly contagious, and as we’ve seen in other agricultural settings, it can spread very quickly. What worries me is that, while benign in wild birds, this virus can become highly pathogenic in the confined, crowded conditions often found on free-range farms.
**Interviewer:** Interesting point. Many people view free-range farming as more humane, but are there inherent risks associated with it in these types of situations?
**Dr. Brunton:**
Yes, there are certainly risks. While free-range allows birds more space and natural behaviors, the logistics of managing these farms, how birds move, how eggs are collected and transported – all these factors can play a role in the spread of a virus. It’s not as simple as assuming because birds are outdoors, they’re automatically safer.
**Interviewer:** So, what needs to be done to contain this outbreak and prevent further spread?
**Dr. Brunton:**
Rigorous testing and bio security measures are crucial right now. Understanding the movement of birds and products between farms is also imperative to tracing potential connections. We need transparency and collaboration between farmers, the Ministry for Primary Industries, and researchers to ensure a coordinated response.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Brunton, thank you for sharing your expertise and insights on this important issue. We’ll continue to follow this story closely and provide updates as they develop.