Bird Flu: Keep Distance, Wash Hands, Report It
OPINION: It's a tough pill to swallow that bird flu (avian influenza) has finally arrived in New Zealand. This is a moment many of us have hoped would never come.
This comes with the resumption of flights from Bali to NZ with the first direct flight from Denpasar arriving in Auckland on March 30. The resumptin of the seasonal service, which runs until 27 October, will bring up to 1,000 passengers a week into Auckland.
Biosecurity NZ says passengers from Bali will use a dedicated biosecurity lane and baggage carousel at Auckland Airport. They will also face footwear disinfection measures, including footbaths at the arrival gate when they step off the plane.
"Biosecurity New Zealand has been working with Air New Zealand to ensure travellers receive information about the revised requirements throughout their journey - including at departure from Denpasar, during the flight and at the baggage collection area on arrival," says Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand's northern regional commissioner.
"Passengers should expect additional questioning from our officers. If need be, they will be directed to undergo full baggage searches. The revised measures will minimise potential delays and disruption for air travellers while providing strong biosecurity protection for New Zealand."
Inglis says the revised measures build on enhanced clearance processes introduced in July last year for travellers arriving on indirect flights from Indonesia, due to an FMD outbreak. The measures included a ban on personal consignments containing meat products.
"Biosecurity New Zealand takes the FMD threat very seriously, given the damage it could inflict on producers and the New Zealand economy," he adds.
"We will continue to assess the situation in Indonesia and modify our border checks as required."
