'Adequate' plans in place for bird flu outbreak

A reassurance has been offered that adequate plans are in place, should bird flu strike in New Zealand sooner than expected.

Strains of the H5N1 virus have now reached India, France and Germany, showing up in dead ducks and swans.

Michael Brooks of the Poultry Industry Association said the latest discovery shows migratory birds are still spreading the virus.

But he said although avian influenza has not been found in migratory birds that come to New Zealand, no chances are being taken, and plans are in place to deal with it if or when it is found in the country.

- NEWSTALK ZB