If bird flu broke out, how would DOC cope?

To answer that question, the Department of Conservation (DOC) put its Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS) to the test at the end of February.

A three-day exercise – named Operation Avis – simulated an outbreak of avian influenza in wild birds and was held at the Environment Canterbury emergency response facility.

Operation Avis trained DOC's South Island staff to respond in the event of an incursion of avian influenza ('bird flu'). Staff members from MAFBNZ, Environment Canterbury and Pacificvet Ltd were also invited to participate. This followed on from another successful simulation exercise, Operation Gallus, run for North Island DOC staff in Wellington last June.

The first day introduced staff to the New Zealand biosecurity system and DOC's Avian Influenza Response Plan. Days two and three focused on the incursion – a hypothetical suspected detection in birds located on Lake Ellesmere. The exercise developed as the hypothetical detection was first confirmed as highly pathogenic avian influenza, and then subsequently spread further afield.

At least 16 species of native birds could be affected by avian influenza if the disease entered New Zealand. This includes kiwi, takahe and shore plover, all of which may be at risk of serious population decline if the disease became established in wild birds.

Overseas experience shows that despite initial fears, the impact of bird flu on wildlife in general has been minimal. However, where a population is small there is an increased risk of extinction. DOC's Avian Influenza Response Plan helps mitigate against extinction in threatened species. The plan targets protecting threatened species through biosecurity measures. These measures aim to prevent spread of infection, and include surveillance to ensure early detection of disease and, in some cases, vaccination to provide resistance to infection and decrease spread of the virus.

Species chosen for vaccination are based on the risk of extinction and DOC's ability to vaccinate. Only birds that are able to be contained, like birds in an aviary, a zoo or flightless birds on an offshore island, would likely be cleared for vaccination. Use of vaccine is controlled by MAF and would be determined depending on the outbreak and the location.

CIMS is based on the Incident Command System developed by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, and enables multiple agencies to work together to achieve a common goal in a safe, effective and efficient manner. The New Zealand CIMS is used by 14 agencies, including central and local government.

DOC has used CIMS to organise and manage a wide range of activities. These have been primarily for fire responses, but also pest animal incursions, like offshore island and mainland incursions of stoats, and for public events, such as bird transfers and opening of new bike tracks. Because of this CIMS experience, DOC has a considerable resource of CIMS-trained staff and a 'can do' attitude towards incident management across a wide range of activities. Operation Avis challenged our ability to transfer this expertise to a national level biosecurity incident.

Operation Avis was a huge success - participants generated lots of new ideas and enthusiasm about how DOC would respond to a national level biosecurity incursion, as well as a greater awareness of how multiple agencies could best work together. Feedback indicates that participants would like the opportunity to repeat the exercise on a larger scale, with more involvement from other central and local government agencies.

DOC would like to thank MAF Biosecurity New Zealand and Environment Canterbury for participating.

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Page last updated: 12 June 2008