New Zealand prepares to battle incoming strain of deadly bird flu

The bird influenza is called H5N1 and it originally was detected in China in early 1996. Back then it caused the death of several geese. The virus did seem to die down before resurfacing in Europe in 2021, and since then it has been spreading quite frequently.

In the US, the virus has reportedly killed 81 million poultry and aquatic birdlife.

Luckily, since New Zealand is quite isolated compared to other countries, we have yet to see it here on our shores, however, the Department of Conservation (DOC) is worried that it is only a matter of time.

The virus has also been picked up in aquatic mammals and domestic pets. It can also be transferred to humans. Although rare, if contracted there is believed to be a 50% mortality rate.

Based on current data from overseas, H5N1 is commonly being transferred through colony birds via secretions, meanwhile, predator species and marine mammals are contracting it through exposure and consumption.

In preparation, DOC has been running a few vaccination trials in some species of New Zealand's native birds. The vaccine contains an inactivated or dead sample of the virus itself.

Currently, five selected species are being targeted in this trial:

• Takahē
• Kākāpō
• Shore Plover
• Red Crowned Kākāriki
• Black Stilt

There might be some time before the real results of this trial are seen.

Bio-Security is also working closely with DOC to manage any potential risks coming into the country.

The president of Birds New Zealand, Bruce McKinlay, said this was a good chance to showcase the importance of hygiene, especially when dealing with birds, whether domestic or wild.

“Wash your hands frequently after any contact with birdlife, just to get rid of any potential germs that could linger or transfer," he said.

Conservation groups around New Zealand take the protection of wildlife seriously, especially with native birds, and say the situation is a top priority they are actively looking into and preparing for.