FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Poultry Disease Prevention & Response

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please email [email protected] so we can provide a response and use your
feedback to update this FAQ with additional information.

To help manage the volume of information, the document is organised into the following sections:

– Preparation for bird flu
– Preventing disease getting onto a property
– Dealing with a bird flu outbreak
– Human health
– Government and national considerations

Preparation for bird flu

Q: What are the key signs of bird flu I should watch for in my flock?

A: The most obvious sign is sudden death of multiple birds within a flock. As well as a sudden increase in mortality, signs for bird flu in poultry (chickens and turkeys) can include:

Lethargy or a reluctance to move
Swelling around the head and neck
Darkened or swollen face, discolouration of wattles and combs
Unexpected drop in egg production
Watery or green diarrhoea
Reduced appetite
Droopy head, paralysis, or incoordination (neurological signs)
Coughing, panting, and nasal discharge
Bruising especially of the legs
A silent or “too quiet” poultry shed

Symptoms can be variable, with the most obvious early sign being a drop in activity, production, water and feed intake. The H5N1 strain of bird flu is highly infectious to poultry. International experience shows that once it enters a flock, the disease can spread very quickly, with more than 90% of birds typically dying within days of becoming infected.

Q: Will local councils support farmers preparing for bird flu when mass disposal options are limited?

A: Local councils are also preparing for the arrival of H5N1. They have worked with the industry to help create the regional guides found on this website, which include information on disposal options and the rules associated with them. Each council has its own rules, and landfill capacity varies across the country, so we encourage you to get in touch with your council as you develop your biosecurity plans to confirm how you could work together in an outbreak.

Q: What support is available to help me develop my Disease Prevention & Response Biosecurity Plans?

A: There is a range of support available to help you develop your Disease Prevention & Response Biosecurity Plans. For templated plans, supporting documentation and a list of contractors who can support plan development, visit the ‘Prepare’ page and ‘Find a Contractor’ page respectively, on the industry biosecurity website: birdflu.pianz.org.nz. If you have any specific questions that are not answered within the website or these FAQs, please email [email protected] or [email protected] so we can provide a response and use your feedback to update this FAQ with additional information.

For commercial broiler producers, the first port of call should be your stock manager.

For commercial egg producers, MPI’s On Farm Support service is available to help you develop your plans. You can email [email protected] to be connected with the team.

Q: How do I find contractors that can help me with the 3Ds?

A: For a list of contractors who can support depopulation, disposal and decontamination (the 3Ds) in the event of a disease outbreak on your farm, visit the ‘Find a Contractor’ page on the industry biosecurity website: https://birdflu.pianz.org.nz.

To ensure proper preparation, it is strongly recommended that you engage any required contractors well in advance of an outbreak. Having those conversations early means you know who to call, what services are available, and what to expect, helping you respond faster and with more confidence if a disease such as bird flu is detected.

Q: Is there an advantage to the industry in having the prevention and response plans filled in online?

A: There is no industry‑wide requirement to use the online version. That said, completing your plan online can make it easier to update over time and may be useful if you need to quickly access or share information as part of a response. In these situations, having your plan in a digital format can be more convenient. Otherwise, the choice of format is entirely up to you. If you prefer to work off-line, you can download and complete the editable Word form.

Q: What is the purpose of the Farm Production Area Map and Lockdown Plan?

A: The Farm Production Area Map helps identify high-risk zones and clearly shows where to place biosecurity control points (e.g., disinfectant points, PPE stations, controlled access) to reduce disease spread. The Lockdown Plan provides a step-by-step checklist to quickly secure the farm, restrict the movement of people, vehicles, and equipment, and enforce biosecurity protocols.

Q: What are the three critical 'Ds' covered in the response plan?

A: The plan covers the three critical immediate response actions:

Depopulation: Humane and effective culling of birds.
Disposal: Safe and quick removal of dead birds, eggs, and contaminated materials. This also incorporates biosecure transport.
Decontamination: Cleaning and disinfection of all affected areas to eliminate the remaining disease.

Q: What considerations are involved in creating a Depopulation Plan?

A: Your plan must ensure the humane destruction of birds, comply with the New Zealand Animal Welfare Act (1999) and relevant codes of welfare, and include a primary and backup method. You must assess your ability to scale up, estimate the maximum number of birds to be depopulated, confirm the availability of trained staff, adequate equipment including personnel protective equipment (PPE), and contingency planning.

Q: What do I need to know about the Disposal Plan?

A: The plan must ensure dead birds, eggs and litter are removed quickly and safely, following local council rules such as securing resource consent in advance for methods like on-site burial or composting. All transport of contaminated materials must use sealed, leak-proof containers.

New Zealand may experience a number of outbreaks of the H5N1 strain of bird flu at commercial poultry sites simultaneously. In this situation, access to expertise, resources and support from third party providers may be difficult, especially if plans are not already in place.

It will be important to coordinate depopulation and disposal activities at the industry level to avoid causing bottlenecks for key services and increase biosecurity risk.

Q: What happens if full decontamination is not immediately possible?

A: If full decontamination is not feasible, you may choose to secure and fallow the area. This means restricting access and leaving the area undisturbed to allow for the natural die-off of the disease pathogen over time.

Q: I don’t have a vehicle washing facility on my farm. What am I supposed to do about vehicle contamination?

A: Commercial truck wash services for hire can be found by searching online for “portable truck wash” and “portable truck disinfection”. Alternatively, you can use a backpack sprayer and brush. However, in the case of a disease outbreak, you will need to be able to contain the wash water (i.e. capture and prevent runoff so it doesn’t spread contaminants into drains, soil, or nearby areas) and cleaning down trucks manually takes time.

Q: What does the recovery and repopulation phase involve?

A: This final phase covers the steps necessary to safely return your farm to full operation. This includes planning for how you will restock and considering whether bird flu has impacted other operations or parts of the supply chain. You will also need to consider what monitoring procedures may be needed after the outbreak is contained and the farm has been successfully decontaminated.

It is strongly recommended that you engage your suppliers and any required contractors well in advance of an outbreak. Having those conversations early means you know who to call, what services are available, and what to expect, helping you respond faster and with more confidence if a disease such as bird flu is detected.

Q: What are the time frames before I can repopulate?

A: Information about decontamination process and timelines can be found in the Decontamination Guidelines document.

Q: Can I take a commercial risk and repopulate as soon as I feel ready to?

A: Experience from overseas has demonstrated that you would be at significant risk of reinfecting the new flock if a stand down period is not observed. You would very likely be wasting your money and your effort if you restocked too soon.

New Zealand farmers need to support the country’s international trade obligations. These include recommendations for stand-down and fallowing times. By meeting these requirements, farmers help preserve New Zealand’s animal health status, provide assurance to overseas trading partners, and protect continued access to international markets under bilateral and multilateral trade agreement.

Preventing Disease Getting onto a Property

Q: How can I keep wild birds away from my farm? Am I legally allowed to kill wild birds that present a risk to my flock?

A: Keeping wild birds away from a poultry farm is a practical and effective way to reduce bird flu risk. Focus on removing attractions and blocking access by keeping feed sealed and spills cleaned up, draining or fencing off standing water, and fully enclosing sheds with well‑maintained mesh on vents and openings where possible. Managing the surrounds also helps – trim trees near sheds and avoid outdoor feeding areas. Bird scarers can be used to discourage wild birds, including visual scarers (reflective tape, predator silhouettes, kites), noise scarers (gas guns or electronic units), and movement‑based deterrents. Scarers work best when they are regularly moved or changed so birds don’t get used to them. Combined, these simple, everyday steps can significantly reduce contact between wild birds and poultry.

The Wildlife Act (1953) applies to all private land. If you kill any native species protected under this act, you can be prosecuted by the Department of Conservation (DOC). Contact your closest DOC office if you’re unsure if a species is protected or not. Fish and Game manage some species rather than DOC under the Act. There are also requirements under the Animal Welfare Act (1999) for wild animals (section 30A and 30B). This relates to the “wilful or reckless ill-treatment of wild animals or animals in wild state” and “hunting or killing”.

Q: Are there recommendations for farms that are growing and processing their own feed on farm?

A: There is presently no specific guidance for farms that also grow or process their own feed. The key biosecurity concern relates to the potential for cross contamination of feed by wild birds. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) should already be in place to manage cross contamination risks, such as salmonella and other contamination events, which should help mitigate this concern.

Farm level biosecurity controls should be reviewed with specific consideration of the risk of wild bird contamination of feed, whether this is processed on site or brought in, to ensure that current biosecurity measures remain appropriate.

Q: Is HPAI H5N1 considered an issue for cattle?

A: For consistent, up‑to‑date information on HPAI and livestock, refer to:

Dealing with a Bird Flu Outbreak

Q: What are the key signs of bird flu I should watch for in my flock?

A: The most obvious sign is sudden death of multiple birds within a flock. As well as a sudden increase in mortality, signs for bird flu in poultry (chickens and turkeys) can include:

Lethargy or a reluctance to move
Swelling around the head and neck
Darkened or swollen face, discolouration of wattles and combs
Unexpected drop in egg production
Watery or green diarrhoea
Reduced appetite
Droopy head, paralysis, or incoordination (neurological signs)
Coughing, panting, and nasal discharge
Bruising especially of the legs
A silent or “too quiet” poultry shed

Symptoms can be variable, with the most obvious early sign being a drop in activity, production, water and feed intake. The H5N1 strain of bird flu is highly pathogenic to poultry. International experience shows that once it enters a flock, the disease can spread very quickly, with more than 90% of birds typically dying within days of becoming infected.

Q: I am seeing increased mortalities but none of the other signs of bird flu. How will I know if it is bird flu and what should I do?

A: You should always talk to your vet immediately who will be able to give you specific advice. For broiler farmers, you can also talk to your stock manager. If they are not available and the situation is escalating, call the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 (available 24/7).

Q: What is the immediate action I should take if I suspect a notifiable disease?

A: Do not wait. Contact your vet or stock manager straight away, as getting veterinary advice first can help rule out other causes like endemic disease or deficiencies. If they are not available and the situation is escalating, call the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 (available 24/7).

Q: What information should I have ready when reporting a suspected disease to MPI?

A: Be prepared to answer questions on these main areas:

Location: your Agribase number or GPS coordinates, farm name, and physical address.
On-Farm Situation: symptoms, when they started, daily/weekly mortality rates, any recent changes (production, feed, water, environment), wild bird/animal activity, and recent movements of birds on or off the farm.
Surrounding Area: awareness of other commercial poultry, backyard flocks, or wild bird populations within a 10km radius, and any known disease outbreaks nearby. If you don’t know this information, don’t worry. Any local information you do have will be useful to the disease investigator.
Photos or videos: you may be asked to provide photos or videos to help MPI’s specialists better understand what is going on.

Q: What traceability records must I maintain?

A: Maintain records of all bird movements, visitor logs, vehicle movements, equipment sharing, feed deliveries, and mortality data. Records must be accessible and kept for at least 2 years. These are critical for MPI during any disease investigation.

Q: What happens after I notify MPI about disease on my farm?

A: Once you have notified MPI, an Incursion Investigator will be in touch and will assess the disease situation. If samples are needed, this will be arranged at that time, and you will be advised about the next steps, including turnaround of any samples taken.

Q: What happens during the investigation period if a notifiable disease is suspected?

A: This is a period of information gathering and understanding the situation. MPI’s Incursion Investigators or delegate (e.g. farmer’s veterinarian, other contracted veterinarians) will likely carry out a site visit and undertake sampling as part of their investigation.

If disease is strongly suspected, data (e.g. records of people and vehicles visiting the farms) are collected for biosecurity tracing activities. Movement controls will be considered, dependant on the situation, farmer/operator capability, risk and other factors.

Q: I have family members living on the farm with me. Can they leave to travel to school and/or work if we suspect we have bird flu on the farm?

A: Yes. Your bird flu plans may need to include related biosecurity practices to reduce the risk of bringing the disease on to or off the property. This may include additional cleaning and disinfection or changes in footwear or clothing to protect your flock as well as your family.

Q: How do I get feed supplied onto my farm while we are waiting to see if we need to depopulate our flocks?

A: Feed supplies can be permitted onto the property. There may be a requirement to clean and disinfect on exit from the farm. Having plans and preparations in place before bird flu arrives is essential to ensure feed supplies are not interrupted.

Q: I have been approached by media about a bird flu outbreak near me or on my farm. What do I do?

A: Media attention is likely. Refer any queries, calls or media visitors at your farm to your industry representative (emails: [email protected] or call: +64 21 513 522 (PIANZ) / +64 21 964 888 (EPF)). You can tell them that due to biosecurity restrictions, they cannot come on the property.

Q: What are the testing procedures and turnaround times if a notifiable disease is suspected?

A: MPI’s Incursion Investigators or delegate (e.g. farmer’s veterinarian, other contracted veterinarians) may need to carry out a site visit and undertake sampling as part of their disease investigation. The need for any sampling, and expected turnaround times, will be communicated to the farmer/operator at the time.

Q: Who can provide support if I get bird flu?

A: Having plans in place before bird flu arrives is important. The industry biosecurity website (https://birdflu.pianz.org.nz) contains practical information to help you prepare and understand what support looks like, with the ‘Find a Contractor’ tab giving you access to national resources that can support you to prepare and respond to bird flu. This includes contact details for mental health services.

Q: Do I have to have MPI on my farm? What if I would rather do this work myself?

A: Yes, you will need to allow MPI to access your farm if HPAI is suspected. But if you have robust planning and preparedness actions documented before a bird flu outbreak specifically for the H5N1 strain, it is likely you can manage an outbreak of bird flu yourself. In such instances, the Ministry for Primary Industries will provide general support and oversight towards the elimination of the disease on the affected property.

MPI has statutory duties under multiple Acts, including the Biosecurity Act (1993), Animal Welfare Act (1999) and Animal Products Act (1999). To fulfil these duties, MPI may need to be present on your property. In some cases, where deemed necessary, MPI may also need to direct activities to safely and effectively manage pests and diseases.

Q: How do I find contractors that can help me with the 3Ds?

To ensure proper preparation, it is strongly recommended that you talk to any required contractors well in advance of an outbreak. Having those conversations early means you know who to call, what services are available, and what to expect, helping you respond faster and with more confidence if a disease such as bird flu is detected.

Q: Given that there will be wild birds carrying H5N1 if it gets to New Zealand, why do I need to comply with movement controls in the event of an outbreak?

A: Under the Biosecurity Act (1993), people must not knowingly move or spread unwanted organisms, such as bird flu. To minimise the risk of the disease spreading, no material can leave properties that are known or potentially suspected of having an unwanted organism present unless MPI provides permission to do so. This obligation always applies and the presence of HPAI H5N1 in wild birds does not change this.

Farmers and operators must keep potentially infected animals, products, and risk items contained, and avoid actions that could spread disease off the property.

Q: Why do I have to cull all my birds if H5N1 is already present in wild bird populations?

A: You are legally responsible for your animals’ welfare. If you own or are in charge of animals, the Animal Welfare Act (1999) requires you to protect them from illness and to act if they are suffering. If animals become seriously ill, you must relieve their pain or distress. This means treating them where recovery is possible, or humanely euthanising them if recovery is unlikely. For diseases like H5N1, treatment is not effective. Infected poultry suffer severe distress and usually do not recover.

Wild animal disease does not change your duty. Even if a disease exists in wildlife populations, you must prevent avoidable suffering in animals under your care.

Q: If bird flu is detected on my farm, why can’t I let some of my birds live to help them develop immunity?

A: If bird flu is detected in your flock, you must ensure you meet obligations under the Animal Welfare Act (1999). Requirements of the Biosecurity Act (1993) and Animal Products Act (1999) may also apply.

The H5N1 strain has a high mortality rate in commercial poultry. The cost and the practicality of demonstrating some animals are disease free is likely to be prohibitive.

Q: How will I know if there is bird flu around me or on surrounding farms?

A: The potential scale of a bird flu outbreak means communication will play an important role before and during a response. MPI will provide information and communications to poultry industry associations, the media, and the public. Industry associations will lead communications to the poultry industry.

Q: What do I need to know and do if a farm near me is infected with bird flu?

A: You should apply strict biosecurity practices to your farm. There is information on the industry biosecurity website: https://birdflu.pianz.org.nz. If you have already made a plan, you should move to “Enhanced Biosecurity”.

Q: For free range farms, will we be able to keep birds outside on pasture if bird flu is detected in the area?

A: You can, however this is a decision you will need to make based on your own biosecurity plans.

Q: Can I fence my birds, netting over them to stop interactions with wild birds, rather than shutting them into a shed?

A: You can, however this is a decision you will need to make based on your own biosecurity plans.

Q: What happens if full decontamination is not immediately possible?

Q: I don’t have a vehicle washing facility on my farm. What am I supposed to do about vehicle contamination?

Q: What does the recovery and repopulation phase involve?

A: This final phase covers the steps necessary to safely return your farm to full operation. This includes planning for how you will restock, and considerations if bird flu has impacted other operations or parts of the supply chain. You will also need to consider what monitoring procedures may be needed after the outbreak is contained and the farm has been successfully decontaminated.

Q: What are the time frames before I can repopulate?

A: Information about decontamination process and timelines can be found in the Decontamination Guidelines document.

Q: Can I take a commercial risk and repopulate as soon as I feel ready to?

A: Experience from overseas has demonstrated that you would be at significant risk of reinfecting the new flock if a stand down period is not observed. It would be a risky investment to restock too soon.

New Zealand farmers support the country’s international trade obligations. These include recommendations for stand-down and fallowing times. By meeting these requirements, farmers help preserve New Zealand’s animal health status, provide assurance to overseas trading partners, and protect continued access to international markets under bilateral and multilateral trade agreement

Human Health

Q: Am I at risk of catching bird flu from my sick birds?

A: “Avian influenza, sometimes called bird flu, is a viral infection that mainly affects birds, although it can ‘spill over’ to mammals. There are different types (strains) of avian influenza viruses, and they do not spread easily from animals to people, or from person to person. Avian influenza generally only spreads to people who have had a lot of close unprotected contact with infected birds or other infected animals. The H7N6 strain recently detected in poultry in Aotearoa New Zealand has never been found to infect people and the health risk for people from this strain is very low. Although there has never been a human case of avian influenza reported in Aotearoa, with cases of the virus increasing overseas, Aotearoa needs to be prepared for the future.” (HealthNZ | Te Whatu Ora)

Q: My customers want to know whether my eggs/chicken meat are safe to eat. What do I tell them?

A: Bird flu is not a food safety concern because heat treatment kills the virus. Properly handled and cooked poultry meat, eggs, and egg products are safe to eat. Thorough cooking means heating such food to an internal temperature of:

75°C for at least 30 seconds, or
70°C for 3 minutes, or
65°C for 15 minutes

More information about bird flu and food safety is available on the Ministry for Primary Industries’ website: mpi.govt.nz/HPAI

Q: Bird flu is said to take a big toll mentally on farmers. What support is available to me or my team?

A: The industry biosecurity website (https://birdflu.pianz.org.nz) contains practical information to help you prepare and understand what support looks like, with the ‘Find a Contractor’ tab giving you access to national resources that can support you to prepare and respond to bird flu. This includes contact details for mental health services.

Q: Do I need to include support for my team in a response plan for my farm?

A: It is highly recommended. Part C of the Disease Response Biosecurity Plan Guidebook focuses specifically on developing a comprehensive, people-centred approach to managing the impacts of a disease response. It recognises that alongside operational and biosecurity measures, the wellbeing, stability, and resilience of staff and the wider business are critical. This section covers several key areas:

Staff Welfare and Mental Health: The need to ensure that the physical and psychological wellbeing of staff is prioritised during a response. This includes providing access to mental health resources, recognising stress and fatigue, and implementing measures to support staff coping with uncertainty, workload pressures, and distressing situations.
Support Networks: Promotes access to internal and external support systems, such as peer support, industry groups, counselling services, and community networks.
Financial Assistance and Planning: Highlights the need for farmers to determine options for financial support and contingency planning, including accessing government assistance, insurance considerations, and managing cash flow disruptions. This helps the business remain viable and prepared for the economic impacts of a disease outbreak.
Communications: The need to detail clear and consistent communication strategies for staff, stakeholders, and external partners.
Farm Security and Lockdown: Covers measures required to secure the property and implement movement restrictions if needed. This includes controlling access, protecting livestock, and maintaining biosecurity protocols to prevent further disease spread.
Job Security and Contingency Planning: Addresses workforce continuity by planning for staff absences, redeployment, or reduced operations. It also considers how to maintain employment where possible and prepare for recovery once the response phase concludes.

Government and National Considerations

Q: When will the new biosecurity laws be coming into effect for farmers?

A: Formal decisions haven’t been made yet. Updates will be provided as it progresses.

Q: Can I just wait until the government mandates that I need prevention and response plans to do the work?

A: The sooner you start to prepare, the better prepared you will be and bird flu could arrive any day now. So technically you could wait, but you are better off starting immediately.

If you own or are in charge of animals, you must meet your obligations under the Animal Welfare Act. Requirements of the Biosecurity Act (1993) and Animal Products Act (1999) also apply.

Q: When will further details become available on the regulations?

A: MPI is working through this detail as part of some initial planning work to implement the proposed regulations.

Q: Why is the response to the H5N1 strain of bird flu different from other exotic diseases?

A: The approach for H5N1 (clade 2.3.4.4b) is different to other strains of HPAI as it’s expected to be brought into New Zealand by migratory birds and become established in wild birds meaning the eradication of the disease from New Zealand will not be feasible. Wild birds can continue to carry and spread the virus and can re‑infect poultry even after control actions. This means using traditional Biosecurity Act (1993) powers to eradicate the disease would not be a sustainable or effective long-term way to manage the risks and impacts of HPAI H5N1 on commercial poultry.

Q: What is the government’s position to the response of H5N1 being detected in poultry?

A: Under the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) partnership, PIANZ, EPF and MPI entered into an Operational Agreement for Readiness and Response that outlines joint decision making and cost-sharing that applies to priority pathogens that affect the poultry sector. This will include readiness work and any response activities needed for outbreaks of the H5N1 strain of bird flu.

In the event of commercial flocks becoming infected, farmers and operators will be supported by PIANZ, EPF and MPI. Efforts will focus on safeguarding human health and mitigating the impacts on operations and food supply chains.

In August 2025, Ministers agreed in principle that MPI will aim to avoid using the full range of biosecurity powers in the event of an H5N1 incursion in commercial poultry. Instead, the approach should move quickly toward farmer / industry leadership and management of farm level incursions. This agreement recognises that a conventional biosecurity response approach using Biosecurity Act (1993) powers to eradicate the disease would not be a financially sustainable or effective approach for managing the risks and potential impacts of H5N1 on commercial poultry farmers and operators over the long-term. This aligns with the joint approach agreed with industry under the Operational Agreement.

Q. What is the GIA?

A: The Government Industry Agreement for poultry is an operational agreement signed by the New Zealand Government and the poultry industry in 2025 that sets out how we work together on biosecurity. It covers who pays for what in the event of outbreaks of diseases such as Newcastle Disease, Infectious Bursal Disease and High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza. It covers how we make decisions together. It allows industry to work with MPI to prepare for these diseases and shares the cost burden of doing so.

More than two dozen New Zealand primary sector bodies have signed GIAs with the New Zealand Government. A list can be found here.

Q: What review mechanisms and oversight will MPI have on the entire HPAI situation, will there be any thresholds for MPI to resume active role in the response?

A: MPI is the lead government agency and has overall responsibility for ensuring New Zealand is prepared and able to respond to bird flu. In its role as lead agency, the Ministry for Primary Industries will monitor and assess the situation, plan and coordinate a response, and provide information to the public and stakeholders.

Q: Who is paying for this?

A: The GIA Operational Agreement sets out cost-sharing arrangements between government and industry. This recognises the benefits to both parties of being well prepared, reporting early, and responding rapidly. Under the agreement, industry will contribute to readiness and response costs for all poultry diseases, including H5N1. These costs relate to poultry specific disease control actions only, and do not extend to funding broader H5N1 activities such as wildlife initiatives.

Improving on-farm biosecurity practices prior to an outbreak is particularly important for New Zealand’s commercial poultry industry. Farmers and operators may need to adjust operations now, including making improvements to on-farm biosecurity practices and ensuring appropriate equipment and resources are available and accessible.

MPI is the lead central government agency and has overall responsibility for ensuring New Zealand is prepared and able to respond to bird flu. In its role as lead agency, MPI will monitor and assess the situation, plan and coordinate a response, and provide information to the public and stakeholders.

Q: What compensation would be available if a notifiable organism other than H5N1 is confirmed on my farm? / If farms are required to depopulate will the government be assisting with financial losses? What’s eligible for compensation? Why is there no compensation for H5N1?

A: The Biosecurity Act (1993) provides that in certain circumstances a person or business is entitled to compensation where MPI has exercised powers, and a verifiable loss has resulted. For example:

if you have had property damaged or destroyed.
if restrictions have been imposed on the movement or disposal of your goods, which have caused you loss. The restrictions might be through a Restricted Place Notice, a Notice of Direction, or a Controlled Area Notice.

Losses must be verifiable, and reasonable steps must have been taken to mitigate any losses. The person or business that incurred the loss needs to complete and submit a claim form alongside verifiable evidence in support of their claim.

Compensation is not payable for the impact of the disease itself. It is only payable for losses that have been incurred as a direct result of MPI exercising its powers under the Biosecurity Act (1993). As mortality rates in poultry infected with the H5N1 strain of bird flu can reach over 90%, were a property to be confirmed positive for H5N1, this would have significant impact on the compensation eligible.

For up-to-date information, visit the MPI website:

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/legal/legislation-standards-and-reviews/biosecurity-legislation/biosecurity-act-compensation

MPI will avoid using the full range of biosecurity powers in the event of an H5N1 incursion in commercial poultry. This recognises a biosecurity response approach using Biosecurity Act (1993) powers to eradicate the disease would not be a financially sustainable or effective approach for managing the risks and potential impacts of H5N1 on commercial poultry farmers and operators over the long-term.

It is recommended that you consult your insurance provider.

Q: What’s not eligible for compensation, if a notifiable organism other than H5N1 is confirmed on my farm?

A: Compensation cannot be claimed if:

the loss was caused by the unwanted pest or disease and not the exercise of powers
the loss was suffered before the exercise of powers commenced
the claimant failed to comply with biosecurity law in a serious or significant way, or in a way that contributed to the presence or the spread of the organism being eradicated or managed
the goods were unauthorised (for example, if imported items were not cleared for entry to NZ)
the claim was submitted more than 12 months from the loss being incurred.

Note also, you can’t make a claim if you:

took actions ‘above and beyond’ the instructions given directly by MPI
are not directly affected by the exercise of powers.

For up-to-date information, visit the MPI website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/legal/legislation-standards-and-reviews/biosecurity-legislation/biosecurity-act-compensation

Q: How do I claim compensation?

A: To submit a claim for compensation, complete a compensation claim form and provide verification of your loss. Compensation claim form [PDF, 597 KB]

Link to MPI compensation website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/legal/legislation-standards-and-reviews/biosecurity-legislation/biosecurity-act-compensation

Q: Is vaccination for birds an option in New Zealand? Is a vaccine for H5N1 available or is there one being developed for commercial poultry?

A: New Zealand has three avian influenza vaccines registered: two vaccines effective against avian influenza (AI), and a new vaccine proven effective against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). The use of vaccination for AI or HPAI in commercial poultry, in the absence of an outbreak, is prohibited.

If HPAI does arrive in New Zealand, decisions on vaccinating commercial poultry to manage an outbreak will be determined by MPI and industry. In the event that HPAI becomes established in New Zealand and is widespread, use and availability restrictions for vaccines will be reviewed.

Investigative work on vaccines is continuing worldwide.

Q: Why do the proposed HPAI regulations apply only to poultry operations with more than 100 birds?

A: MPI has proposed the regulations use the same 100-bird threshold already used under the Animal Products Act. This creates consistency across the poultry sector
and focuses regulatory requirements on businesses where the consequences of an outbreak are likely to be greatest for commercial production, food supply, and trade.

Q: Why don't the proposed HPAI regulations apply to everyone who keeps birds, such as backyard chicken owners, bird rescue centres, and hobby flock owners?

A: MPI has stated that the approach aims to balance biosecurity benefits with practicality. Applying the same requirements to everyone who keeps birds,
regardless of flock size or purpose, would create significant costs, administrative burden, and enforcement challenges. During policy development, it was considered
that the additional benefits of regulating all bird owners would be unlikely to outweigh these costs. Instead, the proposed regulations focus on commercial poultry
operations, where an outbreak is more likely to have significant impacts on food supply, and trade.

Q: If small poultry flocks can spread HPAI, why aren't they included in the proposed regulations?

A: Small flocks can become infected with HPAI and can potentially spread disease. However, the proposed regulations focus on the parts of the poultry sector most
directly connected to commercial production, food supply, and trade. The approach reflects a judgement by MPI that regulatory effort should focus on areas where it will have the greatest overall impact on industry preparedness and response.

Q: A farm with fewer than 100 birds may not affect the national food supply on its own, but couldn't it seriously affect neighbouring poultry farms?

A: Yes. Any infected flock, regardless of size, could pose a risk to nearby poultry operations. However, the proposed regulations focus on those parts of the sector
where regulatory requirements are considered by MPI to be the most practical, proportionate, and effective. The wider biosecurity system does not rely solely on
these regulations. Other provisions of the Biosecurity Act apply to all people, and all bird owners have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent the spread of
disease and must not knowingly spread unwanted organisms from their property.

Q: Does this mean people with fewer than 100 birds have no biosecurity responsibilities?

A: No. Everyone who keeps birds has a role to play in preventing the spread of disease. In addition, the Biosecurity Act applies more broadly than the proposed regulations and includes obligations relating to the spread of unwanted organisms.

Q: Why do the proposed HPAI regulations differ from the rules for American foulbrood in beekeeping, where anyone with a hive must comply with the requirements?

A: MPI has advised that American foulbrood is managed differently because bees move freely between properties and cannot be contained. The disease also spreads
through spores that can survive in the environment for decades. These factors create different risks and require a different management approach.

Q: Why do the proposed HPAI regulations differ from cattle traceability and Tuberculosis (TB) requirements, where anyone who owns a cow must comply?

A: MPI has stated that different diseases create different risks. Systems such as the National Animal Identification & Tracing (NAIT) programme, were developed to help manage livestock diseases that could have major impacts on animal health, trade, and the wider economy. Biosecurity measures are tailored to the risks associated with each disease and sector rather than applying the same approach to all animals.

Q: What can I do if a neighbouring property is creating a biosecurity risk?

A: If you are concerned about a biosecurity risk from a neighbouring property, start by discussing the issue with your neighbour and looking for practical ways to reduce the risk. You may also wish to contact your local council to understand any local rules that apply. The Biosecurity Act applies to everyone and prohibits people from knowingly spreading unwanted organisms. If the issue cannot be resolved directly, mediation or other legal options may be available.