Consultation background:
New Zealand is in the enviable position of being able to get our biosecurity standards to a consistent, high level, so we have the best opportunity to manage H5N1. To help with this, new proposed regulations for the long-term management of HPAI H5N1 have been announced by the Biosecurity Minister, Andrew Hoggard, and MPI, that will impact members of the EPF.
MPI is looking to adopt six proposed new regulations that would be introduced under the Biosecurity Act, 1993. They have been drafted from a policy viewpoint, but MPI is looking for industry direction on the detail Details of the proposed regulations follow: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/proposed-regulations-for-managing-high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza-h5n1-in-poultry
The purpose of the proposed regulations is to encourage members to develop consistent, strong biosecurity practices and early reporting of bird illness. That purpose has the support of the EPF and PIANZ boards, but the detail of what is introduced can be influenced by members during this six week consultation phase.
Click here to view a summary of the proposed regulations.
The benefits of having your say:
This consultation process opens on 17 September and closes on 2nd November 2025.
At the conclusion of this consultation, all or some of the proposed regulations may be introduced. This depends on your engagement. If the regulations proposed are of no value to you, this is your chance to say so, and why. If some of the detail is more relevant to your business than others, put this is in your submission back to MPI.
It is important to note the proposed regulations are not a ‘done deal’. Your participation in the consultation will help give MPI the direction they have requested.
Ultimately, these regulations are proposed to encourage stronger biosecurity across the egg industry. HPAI H5N1 does not discriminate, and high standards of biosecurity have been proven to minimise the impact and spread of H5N1 on poultry industries overseas. This is your chance to ensure these proposals work for you, and if not, state why not.
Submit feedback as an individual, or as a group:
As our egg industry is made up of small, medium and large producers, there is the opportunity to submit feedback either as an individual producer, or as a group of several small producers if you all agree on the same points.
The submission documentation can be found on the MPI webpage for this consultation.
Get to know your biosecurity needs:
Each farmer needs a template biosecurity plan completed and tailored to their farm. Where there are incomplete gaps in the plan, MPI can provide an on-farm support representative to support you on how to get what you need so your plan is robust as possible.
A third party (QConz) will provide regular auditing of your plan and measures you have in place, so that you can be confident it remains robust.
Cost vs Investment
Tougher biosecurity will have costs associated with it. However, not complying with the regulations will also incur costs in the form of penalties. Details of these costs and non-compliance penalties are still to be finalised, however, viewing the biosecurity upgrades of your farm as an investment in the welfare of your birds, staff and business is a realistic start point.
Webinar information:
EPF Webinar – Thursday 25th September
As part of the consultation process, MPI will hold three webinars to go through the proposed regulations and answer any questions of those attending.
Thursday 25th September – this first webinar will be available to EPF members only. Details of how to dial in to the webinar will be emailed to members, and a reminder will be issued in the weekly EPF newsletter the day prior.
If some members cannot make this webinar date, two further webinars will be available to interested members of the wider public, which EPF members can also attend. The same material will be presented, and the opportunity to ask questions will be provided.
These additional dates are:
Wednesday 8th October
Thursday 16th October (Dial in details and times will be circulated ahead of each webinar).
Why EPF members need stronger biosecurity:
The members of the Egg Producers Federation have varying levels of biosecurity.
Free range egg farmers are most at risk of H5N1 as their birds are out on the range, exposed to wild birds who may carry the disease. Consistent, high biosecurity standards and early reporting of bird illness are the best defense to withstand the impact of H5N1.
MPI has stated the arrival of H5N1 is not ‘if’, it’s ‘when’. Now is the time to get ready, and these proposed regulations are designed to encourage members to do that.
We know from conversations with egg farmers overseas that strong biosecurity has been their most effective tool to manage the disease long-term, because if it arrives here, it’s here to stay. In the UK, egg farmers are envious of the opportunity our farmers have; to get ready and put adequate protection in place before H5N1 gets here. They have spoken of the difference it would have made to their businesses if they had known what was coming, so they could put better protection in place.
This consultation phase is an opportunity to get the right regulations in place so the best biosecurity standards can be attained to protect our industry against H5N1.
Click here to read the industry press release.
