Kia ora Chris,

Thank you for your official information request received on 6 December 2024.

Your request below will be considered, and a decision provided in accordance with the requirements of the Official Information Act 1982.

Please note that, in accordance with section 2(1) of the OIA, the period from 25 December to 15 January is excluded from the definition of “working day”.

If you have any questions regarding this request, please email [email address]

Ngâ mihi,

Official Information Act Team
Government Services | Public Affairs
Ministry for Primary Industries – Manatû Ahu Matua
Charles Fergusson Building, 38-42 Bowen Street | PO Box 2526 | Wellington 6140 | New Zealand
Web: www.mpi.govt.nz

-----Original Message-----
From: Chris McCashin <[FOI #29466 email]>
Sent: Friday, 6 December 2024 9:50 am
To: Official Information Act <[email address]>
Subject: Official Information request - H7N6 Bird Flu - Timeline of Events, Protocols and Media Narrative

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Dear Ministry for Primary Industries,

I am writing to formally request information under the Official Information Act regarding the recent outbreak of high pathogenic avian influenza (H7N6) detected at a poultry farm in Otago, New Zealand. There are a number of concerning aspects that we are being told to believe therefore please provide

The timeline of events from the initial reports, documentation submitted and approved to inspect farm and test birds, personnel involved, including all relevant dates and actions taken / warrants etc.
Who / what entity reported the initial illness to MPI and any subsequent communications with that individual or farm.
All initial correspondence with farm involved or contemporaneous file notes of calls.
The total number of birds affected and culled as a result of this outbreak, including details about the culling process and any and all approval processes gone through to cull including disposal. Please provide all documentation outlining teams responsible / outsourcing culling and if external name of the company.
If an external company was culling the flock please provide the current arrangement with MPI - is there an existing contract in place and if so when was it agreed to?
Information on any additional farms or facilities that have been placed under surveillance or restrictions due to proximity to the outbreak, including any correspondence with these farms and / or any other "tip-offs" where the flu might occur.
An outline of testing procedures followed by MPI upon notification of sick birds, including timelines for testing and results reporting and companies involved.
Information on any laboratory testing protocols used to confirm H7N6 in the affected flock.
Any correspondence or communication with global organizations regarding this outbreak.
Information on whether MPI has engaged in discussions with U.S. counterparts regarding their role in the release of avian influenza viruses which they regularly do and why they continue to manipulate viruses despite concerns for human and animal welfare.
Clarification on food safety concerns regarding poultry and egg products in light of this outbreak.
Information on any financial incentives to the farmer to cull the flock - how much is the farmer paid when his flock is culled and / or does he also have an insurance claim.
What recourse is available to the farmer to challenge, complete his own testing given trust in government institutions is out the window and every single agency engages in provable lies.
Copies of all communications with any and all media including before the outbreak. I note the media have really been pushing the narrative for sometime that an outbreak was "imminent" and just like that an outbreak happens.
Information regarding reporting requirements for farmers when culling flocks due to avian influenza, including any protocols that must be followed post-culling.

Yours faithfully,
Chris

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