Read the latest update from MPI on work to prepare for HPAI H5N1
Issue 6, 18 September 2025
Consultation opens on proposed regulations to manage HPAI H5N1 in poultry
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking feedback on proposals for a long-term approach to manage HPAI H5N1 in poultry that aims to reduce the impact if the virus arrives here.
We know from the experience overseas that if high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b arrives in New Zealand, it is highly likely to become widespread in wild birds and be impossible to eradicate.
It could then spread to other wildlife or poultry by direct contact between infected and healthy birds, or through contaminated equipment and materials, including water and feed.
Widespread or repeated infections in commercial poultry could impact the domestic supply of poultry meat and eggs, as well as exports.
MPI has been working closely with the poultry and egg industries to both prepare for HPAI H5N1, and to develop a long-term approach that minimises the impact on industry. As part of this work, MPI is proposing to create regulations under section 165 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 to manage HPAI H5N1 in poultry.
The proposed regulations would ensure New Zealand has the necessary biosecurity practices, reporting, and compliance tools in place to manage the risk that H5N1 poses to commercial poultry operators and minimise the disease impacts to wild and captive birds, other animals and people.
The proposals do not include management of HPAI H5N1 in wild birds, farmed or captive non-poultry birds used for food production (such as ostriches), other animals (such as cattle or cats), or humans.
The proposed regulations aim to incentivise good biosecurity practices and early reporting of infection, protect public health and the domestic food supply, and provide consistent standards across the industry.
Depending on the feedback received during consultation, some or all of the proposals could be developed into regulations under the Biosecurity Act 1993.
The proposals
Proposal 1: Commercial poultry operators must develop an avian biosecurity control programme
Commercial poultry operators would have to develop an avian biosecurity control programme. Guidance would be available to support operators to develop their programme.
An avian biosecurity control programme would:
- identify the risks associated with HPAI H5N1 on-farm
- specify how the operator would manage those risks and meet on-farm biosecurity standards.
Proposal 2: All poultry operators/owners must meet appropriate biosecurity standards
Regulations would set biosecurity standards for certain activities. These could include:
- depopulation
- disposal
- cleaning and disinfection.
Commercial poultry operators would use their avian biosecurity control programmes to specify how they will meet biosecurity standards. These requirements would also apply to semi-commercial poultry operators and non-commercial poultry owners, as relevant and appropriate.
Proposal 3: Commercial poultry operators must keep appropriate records and provide information to MPI when required
This proposal would set record-keeping requirements for avian biosecurity control programmes. These would be similar to the record-keeping requirements for risk management programmes under the Animal Products Regulations 2021.
HPAI H5N1 is a notifiable organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993, meaning people must report to MPI if they suspect the presence of HPAI H5N1. Under proposal 3, commercial poultry operators with avian biosecurity control programmes could also be required to provide detailed information to MPI if they suspect the presence of HPAI H5N1 on their property.
Proposal 4: Avian biosecurity control programmes must be audited
Avian biosecurity control programmes will be audited to ensure biosecurity standards are being met. Audits would be risk-based. High-risk operations are likely to need annual auditing. Smaller or lower-risk operations may not need such frequent auditing.
Proposal 5: Regulations provide for appropriate offences and penalties
Proposal 5 would provide for offences and penalties for breaching regulations. A person who commits an offence against biosecurity regulations is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $5,000 for an individual or $15,000 for a corporation. Regulations would need to specify the breaches that are intended to be offences.
Proposal 6: Costs of auditing are at least partially recovered from commercial poultry operators
Auditing would come with costs to MPI (when MPI audits – third-party auditors could set their own fees). MPI proposes to at least partially recover these costs through existing fees.
Semi-commercial operators and non-commercial owners
Some of the proposed regulations could also apply to semi-commercial poultry operators and non-commercial poultry owners who keep poultry but not as their main source of income.
For example, semi-commercial poultry operators and non-commercial poultry owners could be required to use specific disposal or cleaning methods and provide information to MPI if their birds get sick. Some fines for non-compliance could apply to these poultry owners as well.
More information
MPI is hosting two webinars on the proposals - click on the link to register.
Wednesday 8 October, 6pm
Thursday 16 October, 2pm
Visit the consultation page on MPI’s website for more information or to make a submission https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/proposed-regulations-for-managing-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-h5n1-in-poultry/
Consultation runs until 2 November 2025.
