Bird flu could be endemic within months in New Zealand | The World | ABC NEWS

New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries says the newly arrived H5N1 strain of bird flu is likely to become endemic in the country within a matter of months.

A seabird found on Wellington's Pentone Beach has tested positive for the virus. Officials say while they are well prepared to respond, it is not a disease that can be eradicated, triggering concern for native species that are already endangered.

James Russell is a Professor of Conservation Biology at the University of Auckland. He tells The World's Manny Tsigas that while the detection is not surprising, it's a worry that it has crossed the ditch so quickly.

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