All bird flu cases likely not detected yet, expert says
Virologists in New Zealand are investigating the spread of the H5 bird flu strain after a second case was confirmed in a native bird. Experts believe there are likely more undetected cases and are focusing on early detection and surveillance to understand transmission.
Why it matters
Early detection of avian influenza is critical to preventing potential cross-species transmission and protecting native wildlife populations.
A virologist says it's likely not all cases of the bird flu H5 strain have been detected in New Zealand.
A second case of the flu was found on Friday in a native kāhu, near Carteron in Wairarapa, and taken to Palmerston North Hospital.
Otago University professor Jemma Geoghegan said the first two birds are both solitary scavengers, who likely caught the virus by eating infected dead birds.
"It probably suggest that we haven't detected all the cases that are in New Zealand."
The first confirmed case was a brown skua found on Petone Beach in Wellington, which has since been put down.
Otago University professor Jemma Geoghegan.
Geoghegan said the source of the virus is likely closer than we might think.
However, finding the source would be very difficult, Geoghegan said, as it could be remote.
"It might be that we never know the actual source."
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