New Zealand says it is well prepared for any potential incursion of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) after the virus was detected in a wild seabird in Western Australia.
The country’s Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety said multiple government agencies have intensified monitoring and preparedness measures to reduce the risk of the disease spreading.
Australia recently confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain in a migratory seabird in Western Australia. No cases in poultry and no significant bird die-offs.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s Central Zoo in the Kathmandu Valley has been closed indefinitely after avian influenza was detected in more than a dozen birds and animals. Zoo authorities stated that the measure was necessary to safeguard the health and safety of visitors and the general public.
H5N1 is a subtype of the avian influenza (bird flu) virus that primarily affects birds but can also infect humans. Human infections can range from mild illness to severe disease and may be fatal. Common symptoms include respiratory problems, conjunctivitis (eye infection), and other non-respiratory symptoms.