DOC vaccine push exceeds 20% of target after bird flu detection

The Department of Conservation's programme to vaccinate New Zealand's most threatened species against bird flu was expected to have reached 67 out of about 300 birds by the end of Thursday.

The birds would have received their first vaccine by then, DOC said.

The H5 strain, which has been circulating globally, was detected in New Zealand for the first time on Wednesday, in a single migratory brown skua.

No new cases were confirmed on Thursday.

DOC deputy director-general Cat Wilson said the department began vaccinating core breeding populations of kākāpō, takahē, tchūriwat'/tūturuatu/shore plover, kakī/black stilt and kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet last week.

"We know from our research trial completed last year that the vaccination is safe and effective in these birds and will help protect them from bird flu."

She said the vaccinated birds would receive a booster shot about a month after the initial vaccine, and she expected this to be complete by spring.

But Wilson said while detection of the virus in a migratory seabird was significant, there was no evidence H5 bird flu was spreading in New Zealand wildlife.

"If H5 spreads here we may consider vaccinating other threatened species," she said.

"It won't be possible to vaccinate all endangered birds, but we can focus on those species where the full two doses of the vaccine can be safely given to achieve protection.

"For now, we remain focused on monitoring the situation closely and finalising our readiness plans and updating our guidance, working with iwi and conservation partners," she said.

Protection for penguins

Ōamaru Penguins has introduced foot wash stations in a bid to protect the town's colony of 700 kororā/little blue penguins from bird flu.

The stations, at the entrances to its penguin colony building and seal viewing area, are for visitors to use.

Ōamaru Penguins science and environmental manager Dr Philippa Agnew said the team had been preparing for the threat and were moving quickly to reduce the risk of accidentally spreading the virus.

DOC and MPI had been consulted about biosecurity measures.

"We have seen penguin numbers grow thanks to careful conservation efforts. It's hugely important to protect our little penguins and the level of biosecurity threat to the colony will be actively monitored," Agnew said.

"At this stage our rehabilitation facility remains operational and we will continue responding to reports of sick or injured little penguins requiring assistance."