Risk of Bird Flu here low

Will it be safe to use air-conditioning units during a flu pandemic?

There is no scientific evidence flu can be spread by air-conditioning units, but it can spread in small, enclosed spaces that lack ventilation or air-conditioning.

Some other infectious diseases can spread through poorly designed or maintained air-conditioning systems.

Ventilation should be provided, for preference, by opening windows, or otherwise by using a well-designed and well-maintained air-conditioning system.


What is the risk of New Zealand poultry becoming infected with bird flu?

The risk is low.

Strict controls at the border and in the commercial poultry industry and stringent testing regimes are in place.

New Zealand poultry is free of bird flu and other serious diseases affecting poultry in other countries.

This is considered proof that the regulatory regime is effective. If bird flu did arrive it is thought most likely to be brought by a person who was infected while overseas.

* Sources: Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry


Travel during a pandemic

Buses

Russell Turnbull of Stagecoach says bus services could be reduced, depending on the level of staff illness and the availability of fuel. Stagecoach is still making plans for driver and passenger protection. Options include glass or perspex barriers around the driver's seat.

Taxis

Taxi drivers are seen to be particularly vulnerable because of the closed environment and the effect of air conditioning systems within vehicles. Tim Reddish of the Taxi Federation says that plans may include application for priority immunisation of taxi drivers, and the use of masks. The number of taxis available will depend on the level of driver illness and fuel supplies.

Trains

Train drivers have the advantage of a driving cab isolated from the public. Alan Thompson of the Auckland Regional Transport Authority says the authority is considering different ways of collecting fares, rather than putting conductors at risk. This could include automatic ticket dispensers at stations.

Planes

Air New Zealand has done extensive business continuity planning, both as an employer and as a supplier of services. The availability of flights will depend on staff and fuel supplies, with staff concerns about travelling to some destinations being taken into account. There may be restrictions on unnecessary or leisure travel and the resulting drop in passenger numbers will affect services.

Overseas travel will depend on border controls, both in and out of the country. This may take the form of a screening programme, with arrivals from certain countries being tested in a similar fashion to the Sars scare.

In the event of an outbreak of human-to-human bird flu abroad, New Zealand's borders may close, which could be triggered by Australia or Singapore shutting their borders.

Thousands of travellers would likely be in the air, the numbers depending on the time of day, but perhaps as many as 6000 to Auckland and another 1500 to Christchurch. They would either be turned around, depending on the aircraft's fuel levels, or perhaps quarantined on arrival.

If the borders do close, New Zealanders who are overseas will probably have to stay where they are. In emergencies, the nearest embassy or high commission would help.

Fuel supplies

A spokesman for BP, Neil Green, says that there are implications for the availability of fuel in New Zealand, but mostly at a later stage. Coastal shipping and distribution by road transport could be affected by staff illness. Sufficient fuel, which is mostly imported, is held to see the country through in the short term, but if borders closed, so would shipping.