Summarised by Centrist
Mainland Poultry’s Otago farm, where 200,000 birds were culled after testing positive for bird flu, remains under biosecurity control. Cleaning and disinfecting the Hillgrove site is expected to take months, particularly for free-range fields requiring prolonged fallow periods.
Chief veterinary officer Dr Mary van Andel confirmed no further outbreaks, crediting swift farmer reporting and public vigilance for containment. “Early detection is key,” she said.