A senior veterinary official in New Zealand has warned that a newly identified strain of H5N1 avian influenza could become established in the country within months. The virus was first detected in a wild seabird on Petone Beach in Wellington, marking New Zealand’s initial case amid a global outbreak among wild birds. Despite New Zealand’s isolation, experts believe that the virus is likely to persist in wildlife.
Professor Dianne Brunton from the University of Auckland School of Biological Sciences emphasized that New Zealand’s geographical isolation will not prevent the spread of the deadly bird virus. While there have been no reports of mass wildlife deaths or local bird transmission, the virus is expected to establish itself over time. Although there is a possibility of transmission from birds to humans, such occurrences are rare, and food safety remains unaffected.
Preparations are underway in New Zealand following the virus’s spread to Australia and other parts of the world. Professor Jemma Geoghegan, a virologist at the University of Otago, stressed the importance of rapid testing, genomic sequencing, and vigilant monitoring of wild birds to mitigate the virus’s impact. The Department of Conservation has initiated the vaccination of 300 core breeding birds from endangered species as part of readiness measures.
Massey University epidemiologist Nigel French highlighted the risk faced by small, endangered bird populations, such as the critically rare fairy tern, in the event of virus transmission. Efforts are being made to prevent potential extinction through proactive measures.
