新西兰：在澳大利亚发现禽流感之际已做好准备并密切关注
新西兰生物安全部长 Andrew Hoggard 表示，一旦禽流感进入新西兰，本国已做好充分应对准备，但公众现在采取防范措施同样重要。
他指出：
“自从 H5N1 型禽流感在全球传播以来，新西兰的地理隔离为我们提供了保护，并争取了宝贵的准备时间。”
他表示，初级产业部（MPI）、自然保护部（Department of Conservation）、卫生部以及新西兰卫生局（Health New Zealand）一直与行业及地方政府密切合作，为可能的疫情做好准备。
澳大利亚当局已确认，在西澳大利亚一只迁徙海鸟中检测到 H5N1 2.3.4.4b 毒株禽流感。该毒株在海外已导致大量野生鸟类、家禽以及部分哺乳动物死亡。
在同一地区发现的一只生病的巨型海燕初步检测结果也显示可能感染该病毒。
澳大利亚方面表示，目前尚未发现大规模死亡事件，也没有家禽感染的证据。
Hoggard 表示：
“我们正在密切关注局势，并与澳大利亚当局保持紧密沟通。这提醒我们，必须为无法控制传播的病毒做好准备。”
他指出，虽然无法阻止野生鸟类将病毒带入新西兰，但可以共同努力降低影响。
如果 H5N1 禽流感进入新西兰，它很可能在野生鸟类中传播，并难以根除，因此农户和家庭禽类饲养者必须保持良好的生物安全措施。
他建议公众：
- 观察禽类是否出现疾病迹象，如有异常及时联系兽医
- 防止家禽与野生鸟类接触
- 经常清洁靴子、设备、表面及双手
对于户外活动人群（如徒步者、猎鸭者、观鸟者），应养成良好习惯，以保护野生动物：
- 避免接触病鸟或死鸟
- 保持装备清洁
- 了解何时需要上报
如果发现 3只或以上成群的病死野生鸟类，应拨打外来有害生物与疾病热线：
0800 80 99 66
切勿触碰或移动这些动物。
官方同时指出：
- H5N1 对食品安全没有风险
- 对人类健康的风险评估为低
更多信息可在 mpi.govt.nz/HPAI 查询。
New Zealand is well prepared to respond if bird flu reaches our shores, but it is important that everyone takes steps now to be ready, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.
“Since the H5N1 strain of bird flu started spreading around the world, New Zealand’s geographical isolation has protected us and given us time to prepare,” says Mr Hoggard.
“The Ministry for Primary Industries, the Department of Conservation, the Ministry of Health, and Health New Zealand have been working together with industry and local councils to get ready.”
Australian authorities have confirmed the H5N1 2.3.4.4b strain of avian influenza in a migratory seabird found in Western Australia. This is the strain that has caused large numbers of deaths in wild birds, poultry, and some mammals overseas.
Initial tests on a sick giant petrel found in the same area suggest it is also infected.
Australian authorities say there is no evidence of mass mortalities so far or of infection of any poultry.
“We are watching the situation closely and remain in close contact with Australian authorities. It is a timely reminder that it takes all of us to be prepared for the arrival of a virus we can’t control the spread of,” says Mr Hoggard.
“While we can’t prevent wild birds bringing this virus here, we can work together to limit its impact. If H5N1 bird flu arrives, it is likely to spread in our wild bird population and will not be able to be eradicated, so it’s important for farmers and backyard bird owners to have good biosecurity practices in place.”
“Look for signs of illness in your birds and contact your vet if concerned, prevent contact between your birds and wild birds, and clean your boots, gear, surfaces and hands often,” says Mr Hoggard.
“People who spend time outdoors – tramping, duck hunting, bird watching – can form good habits now that will help protect wildlife if bird flu arrives here. Keep your distance from sick or dead wildlife, keep your gear clean, and know when to report.”
“If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66. Do not handle or move them.”
There is no food safety risk from H5N1, and the risk to human health is assessed as low. More information about H5N1 bird flu and the work New Zealand is doing to prepare is available at mpi.govt.nz/HPAI.
