DOC is set to begin vaccinating some of New Zealand’s most threatened bird species to protect them against the highly virulent strain of H5N1 bird flu, in case it arrives here.
H5N1 has been spreading around the world and has caused large die-offs in wild birds, seals and sea lions, as well as farmed poultry.
This bird flu strain is not in New Zealand but has recently been detected in migratory seabirds in Australia, which is a trigger to start vaccinating some of our most critically endangered birds as a safeguard.
DOC is working with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora as part of a One Health approach to prepare for the possible arrival of H5N1 in New Zealand.
Last year DOC completed a world-first research trial on five native bird species that showed vaccination is safe and effective in these birds and will help protect them from bird flu.
Vaccination will begin with these five birds – kākāpō, takahē, tchūriwat’/tūturuatu/shore plover, kakī/black stilt and kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet.
About 300 core breeding birds from the five species will be vaccinated. These birds are in captivity or, in the case of kākāpō and takahē, on offshore islands.
DOC Senior Science Advisor and wildlife vet, Dr Kate McInnes, says these species were chosen because they have small populations that could be at risk and are reliant on intensive conservation efforts for their ongoing survival.
“We’re in a unique position to be able to vaccinate some of our most vulnerable birds as a precaution before H5N1 bird flu potentially arrives here.
“We’ve seen the devastating impacts of this virus on wildlife in other parts of the world, and we want to reduce the risk to our precious native birds where we can.
“It won’t be possible to vaccinate all endangered birds if bird flu arrives, but we can focus on those species where the full two doses of the vaccine can be safely given to achieve protection.”
Kate McInnes says over the past four years DOC has been researching and drawing on overseas evidence and experience to develop a vaccination plan for the New Zealand situation.
A team of DOC vets and specially trained staff will administer the vaccine, supported by species rangers and facilities staff. The work will start this month to avoid the breeding season and give birds time to develop full immunity before spring.
MPI has approved the vaccination plan for the five species and the release of the avian influenza vaccine for the programme to begin. The vaccine contains dead virus and cannot cause bird flu infection.
The vaccination programme is part of DOC’s broader plans to mitigate risks to threatened wildlife and public conservation land should H5N1 bird flu arrive in New Zealand. DOC has worked closely with iwi, species recovery groups, wildlife facilities and conservation groups to get their input into its bird flu response plans.
Early detection of H5N1, if it arrives here, will be crucial. We are asking everyone to be alert when outdoors.
People who spend time outdoors – including tramping, duck hunting and bird watching – can form good habits now that will help protect wildlife if bird flu arrives here. Keep your distance from sick or dead wildlife, keep your gear clean, and know when to report.
Please report groups of three or more sick or dead birds, marine mammals or other wildlife to the MPI exotic pest and disease hotline: 0800 80 99 66.
Do not touch, handle or collect dead or dying birds to avoid spread of the virus and protect yourself.
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