Bird Flu Center

A comprehensive testing programme, analyzing thousands of poultry meat samples, was completed successfully in New Zealand and proved the country’s poultry industry to be free of any traces of bird flu virus. The tests focused on all types of avian influenza, be it highly pathogenic or low pathogenic strains. The number of samples tested met an internationally agreed level of statistical validity to be accepted. Authorities say that the country is relying on strict on-farm biosecurity measures and surveillance on the internal industry, ensuring the poultry meat industry would not have to suffer from the disease. International institutions (such as the World Organization for Animal Health) required such testing to further trust New Zealand’s poultry products and the country therefore took action, as part of a global network for early warning and detection of highly pathogenic avian flu.