2020 saw the start of two global pandemics. Covid-19, of course, but also H5N1 bird flu. The latter has swept around the world leaving millions of dead wild birds and marine mammals in its wake. It has reached everywhere – except Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Alison Ballance has been finding out why this strain of bird flu is so deadly, and what we are doing to get ready for its possible arrival on our shores.

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Guests:

• Dr Kate McInnes, Department of Conservation
• Dr Megan Jolly, Wildbase Hospital, Massey University
• Dr Mary van Andel, Ministry for Primary Industries
• Rob Schuckard, Birds New Zealand
• David Melville, Birds New Zealand

Learn more:

• Read the article that accompanies this episode: A deadly bird flu strain is coming. Are we ready?
• Find out about Biosecurity NZ’s bird flu surveillance work and what New Zealand is doing to prepare for the possible arrival of avian influenza.
• The Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline for reporting suspected bird flu is 0800 80 99 66.
• The Department of Conservation is preparing for the possible arrival of H5N1 bird flu in New Zealand.
• Claire Concannon spoke about viruses, including H5N1 bird flu, with virologist Professor Jemma Geoghegan, winner of the 2024 Prime Minister's Te Puiaki Whakapā Pūtaiao Science Communication Prize.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details