New Zealand detects low-path H5N1 for first time
Scott McPherson
in influenza and infectious diseases
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For the first time since testing was inaugurated, ducks in New Zealand have tested positive for the low-pathogenic version of H5N1. Specifically, ducks in the city of Invercargill have tested positive for low-path bird flu.
Well, it is only two ducks, and they are at opposite ends of the city. But according to MAF Biosecurity New Zealand animal response team manager Dr Andre van Halderen, for all he and they know, the virus may have always been there and may indeed be endemic to the nation.
Or not. Who knows? One thing is for sure: New Zealand poultry farmers should be more aware, since we all know that if left unchecked, low path goes into poultry facilities, and high path as often as not pops out.
It will be interesting to see if there is any sort of genetic linkage to mainland high-path H5N1 at all. Speculation centers on migratory birds (again) and the East Asian Flyway as the potential source of the virus.
Low-path H5N1 is not surprising. It has turned up in the United States before, as recently as 2007, and undoubtedly will turn up again.
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