The Government has increased support for avian influenza response efforts.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced that Cabinet has approved $20 million in new funding to help meet ongoing expenses associated with the high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H7N6 response. The funds will cover costs including rigorous scientific testing, surveillance, and compensation for affected farmers.
About 200,000 chickens were humanely culled at Mainland Poultry's commercial free-range egg farm in Otago after HPAI was detected on December 1. Testing has shown no signs of the disease outside this farm, which remains under strict biosecurity controls. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has led a swift and extensive response involving over 200 staff.
The Government is committed to stamping out the disease and will continue enhanced surveillance into the new year. Officials will work with Mainland Poultry to compensate the farmer for losses incurred during the response efforts.