(TheIndependentStar.com) – New Zealand’s poultry industry has been dealt a devastating blow after the government paused all exports due to a bird flu outbreak.
This drastic measure threatens nearly $200 million in annual exports and can potentially destroy the economy of hardworking farmers.
The suspension comes after a highly pathogenic H7N6 bird flu variant was detected at an egg farm near Moeraki on New Zealand’s South Island.
Biosecurity New Zealand deputy director-general Stuart Anderson attempted to downplay the severity of the situation.
He stated, “While it is not the H5N1 type circulating among wildlife around the world that has caused concern, we are taking the find seriously.”
However, the fact that 40,000 chickens are slated for culling raises questions about the true extent of the threat.
The government’s response includes establishing a 10km buffer zone with movement restrictions around the infected farm.
Although necessary, this measure is expected to disrupt local farmers and businesses, which are already struggling with rising costs and government regulations.
“For trade purposes we have to say for a number of countries that we are free of high pathogen avian influenza,” Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard explained.
The export ban is expected to last at least a few weeks and will depend on the outbreak’s resolution.
However, this timeline seems optimistic, given the potential for further spread and the virus’ maximum 21-day incubation period.
The uncertainty surrounding the ban’s duration leaves farmers in limbo as they are unable to plan for the future or make crucial business decisions.
Adding to the concerns, the government is also concerned about the potential arrival of H1N1 via wild birds from Antarctica.
Officials have assured the public that eating thoroughly cooked egg and poultry products is safe.
Nonetheless, with nearly a billion dollars at stake in the poultry sector, including $190 million in exports, this outbreak and the ban threaten to devastate an essential part of New Zealand’s agricultural economy.
“Until we’ve cleaned up the situation on this farm, and assuming no other issues pop anywhere else, then we will be able to export again,” Hoggard added.
As New Zealand grapples with this outbreak, similar situations have occurred in other countries, including the spread of H5N1 in U.S. poultry and dairy farms.
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