Cabinet makes bird flu biosecurity plans mandatory for poultry farmers with over 100 birds

Cabinet has approved mandatory bird flu biosecurity plans for poultry farmers with more than 100 birds, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced. The shift from a voluntary regime requires registered plans, record-keeping, audits, and culling protocols overseen by MPI. Hoggard confirmed H5 bird flu has arrived in New Zealand and will "almost certainly establish in wild birds." Regulations come into force by the end of 2026.