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Dr Stephanie Waller, Post-Doc Fellow from Geohagan Lab, University of Otago, presented a thought provoking presentation on Genomics to the Rescue: Preparing Aotearoa for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus. Avian Influenza Virus and the spread of the virus has been around since 2020 but was over shallowed in the media by the Covid Pandemic. Stephanie spoke about two forms of Avian Influenza, low and high Pathogenic strains. One of the highly strain pathogenic strains affected the Waikouaiti chicken farm in December 2024. Currently the Department of Conservation (DOC) is trialling a vaccine on captive NZ native and endangered birds, the vaccine isn't practical for use in the wild population due to dose rate protocol of 2 injections a month apart. Avian Influenza Virus is now impacting cross species including marine mammals, cows, sheep and felines. Although not found in NZ, there is significant potential for the virus to arrive via migratory birds. It is important that if you find three or more dead birds together to contact MPI 0800 809 966 Stephanie left us with the sobering thought, it's not IF, BUT WHEN...... it is only a matter of time. |
