Poultry farms on alert for bird flu

By STUART DYE

The poultry industry has been put on high alert to protect against the possibility of a bird flu outbreak.

Poultry farmers have been told to put up signs warning people to stay out of biosecurity areas.

They have also been told what symptoms of the disease to look out for.

Although it remains unlikely that flocks in New Zealand could be infected, no risks are being taken, says the Poultry Industry Association.

Deputy chairwoman Judith Madsen said the biggest risk was from migrating birds - unlikely because of the season - or from overseas travellers carrying the virus.

"It's vital that no one uninvited is allowed on to poultry premises at the moment," said Ms Madsen.

"There has always been a strict biosecurity code and it's now a case of reinforcing those measures."

Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry have contacted farmers and urged them to be extra vigilant.

Dennis O'Meara, managing director of breeder farm Riverland Poultry in Pukekohe, said the restrictions were already enforced and it would be a case of continuing to follow tight procedures.

"The biggest worry is that we are potentially just a plane-load of travellers away from a big problem," he said.

Another poultry farmer, Chris Friis, of Pakowhai Egg and Poultry in Napier, said there was also concern that a knee-jerk public reaction could cause a fall in sales.

"As a disease-free country it would be an absolute disaster for New Zealand if this was to spread here," said Mr Friis.

The Government is confident its measures are sufficient to keep the disease out.

The virus has been detected in China, Laos, Vietnam, Japan, Cambodia, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Pakistan.

It has killed at least eight people and threatens to develop into an epidemic worse than Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome).

Border security had not been increased at airports because all bags were already screened, said a spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Frances Ross, from the Ministry of Health, said passenger screening had also not been increased because there was no evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus.

Poultry industry

* In 2002, 77 million chickens were processed for domestic consumption - equivalent to 34kg a person.

* Signs are being put up to warn people to stay out of biosecurity areas.