UPDATED 27 JULY: Fisher and observer Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) guidance

Written By Publik Agency

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) reaching birds — including seabirds — has reached 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. These guidelines have recently been reviewed and updated, and will be revised frequently as the domestic situation evolves.

Please review and share with your crew this latest one-page guide (noting it is still in draft and may be amended), which focuses on:

  • recognising the symptoms of bird flu in wild birds and marine mammals

  • wearing appropriate PPE

  • properly sanitising surfaces and PPE

  • how to report suspected cases of HPAI / bird flu.

Download: Fishing operations and bird flu one-pager

More information on New Zealand’s response to bird flu is available on the Ministry for Primary Industries website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/bird-flu

Publik Agency
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