Poultry sector gets stronger biosecurity backing to fight bird flu

The Government is introducing new biosecurity regulations to help poultry farmers manage H5 bird flu, protect livelihoods, and secure domestic food supply, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says.

“Now that H5 bird flu is here, it will almost certainly establish in wild birds.

“Cabinet has approved regulations to ensure the sector has the practices, infrastructure, reporting, and compliance tools needed to manage that risk.”

Poultry operators with more than 100 birds will be required to develop, register, and implement a farm biosecurity plan for avian disease, setting out how they will prevent and manage H5 bird flu.

“Biosecurity measures are currently voluntary in the poultry sector. While there is strong industry co-operation, farmers doing the right thing can still be put at risk by those who are not.”

“Biosecurity New Zealand and industry have been working together on a long-term approach to managing H5 bird flu. There is a good understanding of what good on-farm biosecurity looks like and plenty of information available to poultry farmers through the industry’s bird flu website”

“MPI is available, especially for smaller operators, through it’s On Farm Support team to help with the development of biosecurity plans and enhanced preparedness, including response plans.”

The regulations will focus on outcomes and the risks operators must manage, while giving them flexibility in how they do it.

Operators will need to keep records, undergo audits, and show clear plans for humane culling, disposal, cleaning, and disinfection if their operation is affected.

“When H5 bird flu becomes widespread in wild birds, poultry operators will face a constant infection risk. These regulations will lift on-farm readiness and give farmers the best possible chance to protect their businesses.”

Mr Hoggard says regulating the sector under the Biosecurity Act 1993 will also help protect food supply, trade, wild and captive birds, other animals, and people.

MPI consulted on the proposed regulations late last year and received 36 submissions, with feedback broadly supportive.

The regulations will now be drafted and shared with the industry bodies before coming into force by the end of 2026. ...