Guidance for fishers and fisheries observers to reduce risks related to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu)
With cases of bird flu reported in Australia as of 20 June, there is a risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) reaching birds — including seabirds — in New Zealand.
Several years ago, Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) and the NZ Fishing Health and Safety Forum collaborated to produce the Fisher and Observer Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Guidance (2024), which guides fishing vessel operators, crew, and observers on the management of risks related to bird flu and ensures everyone operates off a consistent approach. It works on a green / yellow / red response level system. New Zealand is currently operating at response level Yellow, Precautionary.
In general, the advice is to limit your interactions with birds, use appropriate PPE, and utilise grabbers and other tools to reduce close contact with marine birds and mammals whenever practical. Below are some brief bullet points taken from the Fisher and Observer guidance document to review and reinforce with your staff and crew:
If HPAI is not suspected at Yellow (and not a deck strike):
Wear ‘simplified’ PPE kit: safety goggles, heavy duty gloves (e.g., orange fish handling glove) worn with disposable Nitrile or Vinyl gloves under neath (no latex gloves), disposable N95/P2 respirator/face mask, rubber boots which can be disinfected, waterproof over-trousers or heavy rubber apron which can be disinfected.
Remove and dispose of any used PPE safely and appropriately. Clean/sanitise hands, boots, clothing.
Observers instructed to not retain dead birds caused by deck strike.
If HPAI is suspected at any level, then operate at response level Red:
Do not interact with the bird beyond disposal or assisting off the vessel.
Do not retain the bird unless instructed to do so by Biosecurity New Zealand.
Wear ‘full’ PPE kit when handling birds (alive or dead).
Decontaminate equipment, and the vessel area (deck, benches, workstations, etc.) as per decontamination instructions. Dispose of all single use PPE items in the appropriate waste receptacle and clean/sanitise hands.
Follow the notification protocol and await further instructions.
Everything currently in place to mitigate the health and safety risk to observer and crew when handling birds/mammals at sea is still fit for purpose and aligned with the current Heath NZ occupational guidance and should continue to be followed. These guidelines will be reviewed and updated as needed should the situation change.