Articles tagged with Bird Flu

New $1.5M Grant Supports Kiwi Poultry Operators Against H5 Bird Flu Risks

1 week ago | 291 views

The New Zealand Government has launched a $1.5 million Poultry Biosecurity Grant to help small to medium-sized poultry operators prepare for the potential arrival of H5 bird flu by funding up to 50% of biosecurity improvements. This grant supports infrastructure upgrades, bird-proofing, cleaning facilities, and development of biosecurity plans, aiming to protect jobs, livelihoods, and the domestic food supply ahead of new regulations effective by the end of 2026. With two confirmed H5 detections but no poultry outbreaks, the government emphasizes strong biosecurity as a key defense and encourages applications by 30 September 2026.

Tags: Andrew Hoggard Kiwi poultry operators H5 bird flu Poultry Biosecurity Grant New Zealand government biosecurity regulations poultry farms avian influenza poultry sector grant funding

New $1.5M Poultry Biosecurity Grant to Help Kiwis Prepare for H5 Bird Flu

1 week ago | 328 views

The New Zealand Government has launched a $1.5 million Poultry Biosecurity Grant to help small to medium-sized poultry operators prepare for the possible arrival of H5 bird flu by funding up to 50% of costs for biosecurity improvements. This grant supports infrastructure upgrades, bird-proofing, cleaning facilities, and development of required biosecurity plans ahead of new regulations effective by the end of 2026. With two confirmed H5 detections but no poultry outbreaks, the initiative aims to protect jobs, food supply, and the poultry sector from this ongoing biosecurity threat.

Tags: Andrew Hoggard Kiwi poultry operators H5 bird flu Poultry Biosecurity Grant New Zealand government biosecurity regulations poultry farms avian influenza poultry sector grant funding

New Biosecurity Regulations to Protect Poultry Farmers from H5 Bird Flu Risks

4 weeks ago | 338 views

The Government is introducing mandatory biosecurity regulations for poultry farms with over 100 birds to manage H5 bird flu, requiring farm-specific plans, record-keeping, and audits to protect livelihoods and food supply. These regulations, approved by Cabinet and developed with industry cooperation, aim to enhance on-farm readiness and provide flexibility in managing infection risks while ensuring humane practices. The new rules, supported by industry feedback, will be implemented by the end of 2026 to safeguard poultry, trade, wildlife, and public health.

Tags: biosecurity H5 bird flu poultry farmers Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister MPI poultry sector farm biosecurity plan Biosecurity Act 1993 wild birds

New Biosecurity Rules to Help Poultry Farmers Manage H5 Bird Flu Risks

4 weeks ago | 421 views

The Government is introducing mandatory biosecurity regulations for poultry operators with over 100 birds to manage H5 bird flu, requiring farm biosecurity plans, record-keeping, audits, and clear response strategies. These regulations aim to enhance on-farm readiness, protect farmers' livelihoods, secure the domestic food supply, and mitigate risks from widespread infection in wild birds. Developed in collaboration with industry and supported by MPI, the regulations will be finalized and implemented by the end of 2026.

Tags: biosecurity H5 bird flu poultry farmers Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister MPI poultry sector farm biosecurity plan Biosecurity Act 1993 wild birds

Second Native Bird in New Zealand Confirmed with H5 Bird Flu, Response Steps Up

1 month ago | 287 views

New Zealand has confirmed its second case of H5 bird flu in a native Kāhu hawk, prompting increased surveillance and support for the poultry industry, alongside ongoing vaccination efforts for endangered native birds. The Department of Conservation is actively vaccinating vulnerable species, enhancing biosecurity, and collaborating with partners to mitigate the virus's impact on wildlife. The public is urged to report sightings of sick or dead birds promptly while avoiding contact, as authorities continue monitoring and managing the spread of bird flu.

Tags: Andrew Hoggard Tama Potaka Kāhu H5 bird flu brown skua kākāpō takahē tūturuatu kakī kākāriki karaka

New Zealand Prepares for Bird Flu Arrival: Biosecurity Measures and Safety Tips

2 months ago | 539 views

New Zealand is actively preparing for the potential arrival of the H5N1 bird flu strain, collaborating across government agencies and local councils while urging the public to adopt strong biosecurity measures. Recent detections of the virus in migratory seabirds in Western Australia highlight the risk, prompting close monitoring and communication with Australian authorities. Citizens are advised to watch for signs of illness in birds, maintain cleanliness, avoid contact with wild birds, and report multiple sick or dead birds to authorities, with the human health risk currently assessed as low.

Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister Ministry for Primary Industries Department of Conservation Ministry of Health Health New Zealand H5N1 bird flu avian influenza Australian authorities

Managing Bird Flu: New Proposals to Safeguard Poultry and Food Supply in New Zealand

11 months ago | 1085 views

New proposals to manage high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 aim to reduce impacts on poultry in New Zealand if the virus arrives, with a focus on protecting livelihoods and food supply. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is leading preparedness efforts in collaboration with various agencies and stakeholders. Proposed regulations include requirements for biosecurity control programs, standards for poultry operators, audits, and penalties for non-compliance, with consultation open for six weeks to gather feedback on the potential impacts and costs for the industry.

Tags: Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity Minister Ministry for Primary Industries HPAI H5N1 Bird flu poultry avian biosecurity control New Zealand consultation regulations