Public health advisory update: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu)

Following a detection of cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza/HPAI (also commonly known as avian flu or bird flu) subtype H7N6 in chickens on a poultry farm in Otago, Te Whatu Ora has published a public health advisory with an update on the disease, the health response underway, and guidance for clinicians.

The overall public health risk of avian influenza A (H7N6) to human health is very low and there are no suspected or confirmed human cases of the H7N6 influenza virus associated with this outbreak. There has never been a human case of H7N6 influenza virus reported to the World Health Organisation or in scientific literature globally. This is despite there having been significant outbreaks in poultry globally with many human exposures to sick birds.

As stated in MPI media and public communications, there is no appreciable risk to food safety.

• The communicable disease manual provides guidance regarding public health management of avian influenza.
• Advice for the public regarding avian influenza (including health and safety guidance) is available on Te What Ora health information and services website. 
• See the Te Whatu Ora Avian influenza information sheet.