Biosecurity New Zealand has confirmed an outbreak of HPAI on a poultry farm (type not specified) in the Otago region on South Island.  The isolate was characterized as H7N6 but was genetically different from the H7 strain identified in Australia during spring.

Intensive surveillance has been initiated without an indication of infection among farms within a six-mile zone around the index case. 

As a precaution, New Zealand has suspended all exports of poultry including breeding stock from compartment operated by major genetic companies.  Exports will be resumed after it is confirmed that there are no additional incident cases over a 21-day period.