20 Oct 2023

Surveillance of bird flu risk crucial says expert

From Morning Report, 6:49 am on 20 October 2023

An infectious diseases expert says New Zealand must remain on guard against the potentially deadly bird flu viruses circulating overseas.

According to international research released today, the H5N1 bird flu virus that emerged in China is now also in wild birds and poultry in Europe and North and South America.

Massey University professor Nigel French says human transmission remains rare but ongoing surveillance is essential.

French spoke to Corin Dann.