New Zealand detected on Friday (Jul 17) the primary an infection of a local chook by the lethal H5N1 chook flu, days after confirming a migratory seabird had tested positive within the nation’s first recorded case of the illness.
A swamp harrier hawk, recognized domestically as a kahu and located within the North Island’s Wairarapa area, had been contaminated with the virus, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard mentioned in a press release.
New Zealand reported its first confirmed detection on Wednesday, in a brown skua discovered close to Wellington.
“Whereas it is disappointing to discover a native chook with H5 chook flu, it’s not surprising following the affirmation earlier this week of our first case,” Hoggard mentioned.
“This hawk can exit to the coast – particularly in winter to hunt. Hawks can get chook flu by looking, consuming, or scavenging contaminated birds.”
There had been no detection of chook flu in poultry, he mentioned.
Well being officers have began a vaccination programme for 300 core breeding birds from 5 of the nation’s most endangered species, together with flightless takahe and kakapo.
Earlier this month, Australia reported its first case of the illness in an area seabird. All earlier instances had concerned migratory birds.
