Latest University of Auckland News & Updates

New Strain of Avian Influenza Detected in New Zealand, Poses Endemic Threat

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Wellington, July 16 (IANS) A newly detected strain of H5N1 avian influenza is likely to become endemic in New Zealand within months, after the country recorded its first case in a wild seabird, a senior veterinary official said on Thursday.Ministry for Primary Industries’ Chief Veterinary Officer Mary van Andel told Radio New Zealand (RNZ) that eradication would be unlikely if the virus establishes in wildlife, reports Xinhua news agency.The H5 virus was confirmed Wednesday in a seabird found on…

Active Fault Near Auckland Raises Earthquake Risk, Study Finds

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Wellington, May 27 (IANS) New research has identified an active fault near New Zealand’s largest city, suggesting earthquake risk for Auckland may be higher than previously understood.The Mangatangi Fault, running along the Hunua Ranges about 50 km south of the city, is capable of generating an earthquake of up to magnitude 6.8, said a press release by the University of Auckland on Wednesday.The study, published in the New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics, found the fault has ruptured w…