Government makes bird flu safety plans compulsory for poultry farmers

Poultry farmers with more than 100 birds must now have bird flu safety plans, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced. The rules replace voluntary guidelines and require farmers to register plans, keep records, face checks and follow culling steps, overseen by MPI. Hoggard said H5 bird flu is in New Zealand and will likely spread among wild birds. Rules apply by end of 2026.