Why our future depends on taking biosecurity seriously
OPINION: When it comes to biosecurity, we often hear about the end of a response, but it’s the beginning that helps determine our success.
A suspected new disease in the New Zealand poultry industry is a disappointment, says Michael Brooks, executive director, Egg Producers Federation (EPF).
He says the local industry had been considered free of IBD type 1 and has worked hard to protect its unique disease-free status for at least 20 years.
The detection of the suspected type 1 strain on Mainland’s Waikouaiti farm in Otago has some industry members concerned.
But overall there is “confidence it is being controlled well,” Brooks told Rural News.
“We had a IBD type 1 outbreak in NZ in 1993 and were able to successfully eradicate it,” he said.
“Biosecurity NZ is working with us and NZ’s trading partners to manage any potential trade impacts and are looking into a range of possibilities to determine how the virus may have arrived in NZ.”
Biosecurity NZ says there is no evidence that IBD type 1 poses any risk to humans or animal or bird species.
Brooks says the strain was discovered at Mainland’s Waikouaiti farm in Otago via its own regular voluntary testing routine.
IBD is contagious amongst poultry aged two to 15 weeks.
“When Mainland’s testing identified a possible positive for IBD, no birds were exhibiting any signs of illness or distress. They continue to show no symptoms, which is not uncommon with some virus strains, and all birds are through what would be the critical period of the virus.
“Also, a second Mainland property near the Waikouaiti facility has returned suspect results.”
More overseas testing is required to confirm IBD type 1. Biosecurity NZ has suspended trade to four countries which require a guarantee that NZ is IBD type 1 free. Australia is the largest importer of NZ chicken meat.
Testing for IBD on egg and poultry farms nationwide has accelerated.
Operations at the Waikouaiti farm will continue as usual as none of their birds show any signs of illness.
“Mainland has exemplary biosecurity measures in place, and Biosecurity NZ and the industry have confidence the virus will not spread from that facility,” Brooks said.
Biosecurity NZ confirmed no birds at the Mainland Poultry farm in Waikouaiti have disease symptoms. The farm is under voluntary biosecurity controls as a precautionary measure.
Overseas testing results are expected in mid-September.
Departmental chief scientist Dr John Roche says the virus can affect the immune system of young chickens but it poses no risk to human or animal health.
Biosecurity NZ response manager David Yard says it will work with industry to consider options to manage the situation.
According to the most recent Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, farmer confidence has inched higher, reaching its second highest reading in the last decade.
From 1 October, new livestock movement restrictions will be introduced in parts of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
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