The chair of the New Zealand COVID-19 Royal Commission inquiry emphasized that it is not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’ the next pandemic will occur. Professor Tony Blakely reiterated the real threat of a future pandemic, citing the recent bird flu situation as a stark reminder. He highlighted the importance of being prepared and having the right systems in place to manage any future pandemic successfully.
Dr. Blakely mentioned the risks posed by H5N1 bird flu to native wildlife in New Zealand and the global impact of the disease, which has already resulted in hundreds of millions of bird deaths worldwide. He reassured that while there have been reported cases of H5N1 bird flu since 2003, human-to-human transmission is rare and primarily occurs through close contact with infected individuals.
The New Zealand COVID-19 inquiry is actively engaging with stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the response to the pandemic. The goal is to enhance preparedness for future pandemics and safeguard the health and safety of the population.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the spread of bird flu in Australia, with the detection of the highly pathogenic H7N3 strain in ducks on a farm in Victoria. Agriculture Victoria has taken measures to contain the outbreak and assure consumers that egg and duck meat products are safe for consumption. The government is providing support to affected farmers to maintain business continuity and prevent further spread of the disease.
The article also highlights the detection of other strains of bird flu in Victoria and a human case of avian influenza H5N1 in a child returning from India. The ongoing surveillance and containment efforts aim to limit the spread of the virus and protect public health. Please rewrite this sentence.
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