The detection of Avian Influenza H7N6 strain marks a turning point for New Zealand’s poultry industry.
While not as severe as the high-pathogenic H5N1 strain, the presence of avian flu in the country underlines the urgent need for poultry producers—whether small-scale farmers or large commercial operators—to strengthen their biosecurity practices.
Avian Influenza (AI) is a viral disease that naturally occurs in wild birds such as ducks, geese, and swans. These wild carriers pose a constant threat to domestic poultry flocks, with the potential for low-pathogenic strains like H7N6 to mutate into more dangerous forms.
So, protecting your birds isn’t just about safeguarding your operation—it’s about ensuring the long-term viability of New Zealand’s poultry industry.
Why Biosecurity Matters
Biosecurity refers to the measures taken to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases. It’s not merely an optional management strategy—it’s vital for disease prevention in any animal or poultry housing situation.
AI can have devastating consequences, not only for animal welfare but also for productivity and profitability.
Global data demonstrates the cost of inaction. In the United States, studies have shown that disease-related losses can account for as much as 8.2% of the Gross Value of Production (GVP) in the poultry industry. For every $1,000 lost due to bird mortalities, an additional $2,000 is lost in reduced productivity. These figures highlight the importance of prioritising prevention over treatment.
By implementing robust biosecurity measures, poultry producers can create effective barriers between their birds and potential sources of contamination, such as wild birds, other poultry, and even farm visitors.
Best Practices in Biosecurity
Daily biosecurity practices should form the backbone of any farm’s management strategy. For a poultry farm, these include:
- Restricting access to poultry areas to essential personnel only.
- Ensuring all visitors follow strict hygiene protocols, such as wearing protective clothing and disinfecting footwear.
- Regular cleaning and disinfection of poultry housing, equipment, and vehicles entering the property.
- Minimising contact between wild birds and domestic poultry by securing feed and water sources.
For disinfection to be effective, antimicrobial agents specifically designed to destroy pathogens must be used. This is where Stalosan F comes in.
Stalosan F: A Proven Biosecurity Solution
Stalosan F, a fine pink powder with antimicrobial properties, offers a highly effective means of controlling pathogens commonly found in poultry environments. Its proven ability to suppress the proliferation of Avian Influenza strains, including H5N1, makes it an invaluable tool in the fight against AI.
Laboratory studies have shown that Stalosan F inactivates up to 99.98% of AI viruses within five minutes of application.
In addition to its efficacy against viruses, Stalosan F helps reduce ammonia formation, absorb excessive moisture, and improve air quality within poultry houses. This creates a healthier environment for birds, enhancing their overall performance and reducing stress.
A Shared Responsibility
The detection of AI in New Zealand serves as a stark reminder that biosecurity is a shared responsibility and prevention is the best protection. Every poultry producer or owner, regardless of the size of the hen house, has a role to play.
Adopt rigorous biosecurity practices, and invest in proven solutions like Stalosan F. And, if you see sick or dead birds (the guideline is three or more), report them immediately to MPI’s hotline at 0800 80 99 66.