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MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND REPORTING NEW ZEALAND’S ANIMAL HEALTH STATUS
surveillance
Volume 37, no.2 , June 2010 – Annual Report
INSIDE:
Reports from MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
Reports from National Pest Management Strategies
Reports from industry surveillance and disease control programmes
Quarterly report of diagnostic cases – January to March 2010
Quarterly report of investigations of suspected exotic diseases

Surveillance
ISSN 1176-5305
Surveillance is published on behalf of the
Director Post Border (Peter Thomson) and is
an authoritative source of information on
New Zealand’s animal health status. The
articles in this quarterly report do not
necessarily reflect government policy.
Editor: Jonathan Watts BVSc
Subeditor: Mike Bradstock
Correspondence and requests to receive
Surveillance should be addressed to:
Assistant Editor
Surveillance
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
Ministry of Agriculture
and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington, New Zealand
email: surveillance@maf.govt.nz
Reproduction: Articles in Surveillance may be
reproduced (except for commercial use or on
advertising or promotional material), provided
proper acknowledgement is made to the
author and Surveillance as source.
Publication: Surveillance is published
quarterly in March, June, September and
December. Distribution via email is free of
charge for subscribers in New Zealand and
overseas.
Editorial services: Words & Pictures,
Wellington
Surveillance is available on the
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand website
at www.biosecurity.govt.nz/publications/
surveillance/index.htm
Articles from previous issues are also
available to subscribers to SciQuest ® , a fully
indexed and searchable e-library of
New Zealand and Australian veterinary and
animal science and veterinary continuing
education publications, at
www.sciquest.org.nz
Cover photograph by Allan Gates, courtesy of
Deer Industry New Zealand.
Contents
EDITORIAL
New approaches in biosecurity 3
REPORTS FROM MAF BIOSECURITY NEW ZEALAND
International Animal Trade 5
Animal Health Laboratory 11
Animal health surveillance 16
Avian influenza surveillance programme 20
Wildlife disease surveillance 23
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE)
surveillance programme 26
REPORTS FROM NATIONAL PEST MANAGEMENT
STRATEGIES
Bovine tuberculosis 28
American foulbrood 32
REPORTS FROM INDUSTRY SURVEILLANCE AND
DISEASE CONTROL PROGRAMMES
New Zealand dairy enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) control
scheme 33
Brucella ovis accreditation scheme 34
Infectious bursal disease eradication programme 35
Errata: Bird ectoparasites checklist 35
QUARTERLY REVIEW OF DIAGNOSTIC CASES
JANUARY – MARCH 2010 36
QUARTERLY REPORT OF INVESTIGATIONS OF
SUSPECTED EXOTIC DISEASES 43
2
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

EDITORIAL
NEW APPROACHES IN BIOSECURITY
Welcome to the June 2010 edition of Surveillance. As I
write this introduction I am struck by the words of Lewis
Carroll in Through the Looking Glass, where the Red
Queen declares to Alice: “Now, here, you see, it takes all
the running you can do, to keep in the same place. If you
want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as
fast as that!” This seems so relevant to biosecurity, where
we must continually innovate and improve to ensure that
we protect our economy, health and environment from
existing and new risks posed by pests and diseases. And
there is so much at stake. Few developed countries are as
highly dependent on agriculture and trade in agricultural
products. We export 80–90% of the food we produce, and
our agricultural exports are worth NZ$20 billion annually,
accounting for 20% of our GDP. New Zealand’s geographic
isolation and lack of land borders has also resulted in
the evolution of a unique flora and fauna, and a lifestyle
and environment worth protecting. This environment
is also a significant contributor to our economic wealth,
since international tourism is New Zealand’s single
biggest export earner, and international and domestic
tourism directly and indirectly contributes 9% of GDP.
New Zealand stands to lose more than most other
countries from biosecurity risks, and therefore the
expectations of the biosecurity system are very high.
To ensure that MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ)
continues to met these expectations and improve
our ability and capacity to detect and respond to all
biosecurity threats there are a number of new initiatives
underway:
• FarmsOnline is expected to go live by March 2011,
providing information on the ownership, location and
management of rural properties. FarmsOnline will
also support the joint industry/government National
Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) initiative
that will provide lifetime identification and traceability
for cattle by the end of 2012 and deer in future. These
programmes will support a range of biosecurity
activities including surveillance, response and market
access.
• There has also been significant progress by MAFBNZ
and primary industries towards working more closely
together on specific surveillance, response readiness
and response activities, including joint decisionmaking
and cost sharing. Discussions are already
underway with a number of industry bodies to
identify their biosecurity priorities and negotiate an
overarching agreement between them and MAFBNZ.
It is expected that this agreement will be put forward
to Cabinet for approval by March 2011.
• In another initiative aimed at improving
New Zealand’s response to any incursion, MAFBNZ
has established a long-term relationship with
AsureQuality to provide all response operations
on behalf of MAFBNZ and build and maintain a
capability network and supporting systems which
contains the widest possible inventory of organisations
and individuals who have capability and willingness
to deliver skills, equipment, materials or services for
biosecurity responses.
• Pest management involves reducing the impacts
of pests and diseases that are already present in
New Zealand, by slowing spread, eradicating where
feasible, and responding to emerging risks. MAFBNZ
has been leading the development of a national
plan of action to address current issues and meet
New Zealand’s pest-management system needs for the
next 25 years. Consultation on the plan will begin in
July 2010.
• The Biosecurity Surveillance Strategy was formally
launched by Biosecurity Minister David Carter in
February 2010.The completion of the strategy is
an important milestone in the journey to improve
surveillance in New Zealand. The focus has now
moved on to the implementation of the strategy
– changing the way surveillance is lead, planned,
delivered and communicated to deliver on the
vision of “working together to achieve efficient and
effective surveillance”. A biosecurity surveillance
committee is being established and will drive and
guide the implementation of the strategy and a system
is being developed that will support consistent,
transparent decision making and prioritisation
across surveillance, response readiness and response
biosecurity activities. During the next few months we
will also be holding workshops to gather information
on surveillance needs, and to identify the gaps.
Surveillance activities targeting specific pests and diseases
or high-risk pathways and sites are complemented by the
contribution of the scientific community, people working
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 3

in primary industry, and the general public by reporting
suspected pests and diseases. The 0800 80 99 66 exotic
disease and pest hotline receives over 12 000 calls per year
and is crucial to the early detection of pests and diseases.
However, there are barriers to reporting that prevent it
from being even more effective, and as part of the strategy
implementation these are being investigated.
Thanks again to all of you who contributed your
thoughts during the development of the Biosecurity
Surveillance Strategy – we look forward to continuing
to work with you. For more information on the strategy
implementation and how you can become involved,
please subscribe to our regular newsletter by emailing
NZbiosecuritysurveillance@maf.govt.nz
Data collected from 2000 to 2009 as part of
human tapeworm, Taenia saginata cysticerci
(Cysticercus bovis), surveillance at
meat-processing plants was analysed for
spatial and temporal trends in cattle infection.
Analysis did not provide evidence of an
increasing number of case locations over time.
Case locations appeared to be associated with
areas of high cattle density.
Katherine Clift
Biosecurity Surveillance Manager
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
Email: Katherine.clift@maf.govt.nz
4
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

REPORTS FROM MAF BIOSECURITY
NEW ZEALAND
International Animal Trade
RISK ANALYSIS
The Animal Kingdom Risk Analysis Team produces
science-based risk analyses for border and post-border
activities. The primary focus of the team is the analysis of
biological risks posed by imported goods. The team also
reviews assessments done by other teams and by external
consultants.
The standard process in drafting risk analyses includes
internal and external expert peer review, with the draft
risk analysis including options for risk management
for the identified hazards, but not risk management
recommendations. Draft risk analyses are released
for public consultation and submissions received are
summarised and responded to in a review document,
after which the risk analysis is updated. These documents
are posted on the MAF website (www.biosecurity.govt.nz/
regs/imports/ihs/risk).
In future, as a rule, risk analyses will not be released for
public consultation separately from the import health
standards, which is the current procedure. Rather, the
intention is to make risk analyses available at the same
time as the public consultation on draft import health
standards.
Risk analysis work during 2009 included:
Chicken hatching eggs: A draft risk analysis considering
biosecurity risks associated with the importation of
hatching eggs of chickens from the EU, Canada, the
USA and Australia was released for public consultation
in May 2008. A review of submissions and a final risk
analysis were completed in January 2009.
Cattle germplasm: A draft risk analysis considering
disease risks associated with importing frozen bovine
semen and in-vivo-derived bovine embryos from
all countries was released for public consultation in
June 2008. Fresh semen, in-vitro-derived embryos and
cloned embryos were specifically excluded from this risk
analysis. In February 2009 a review of submissions and a
final risk analysis were completed.
Live cattle: A draft risk analysis considering disease risks
associated with live cattle imports from Australia, Canada,
the EU and the USA was released for public consultation
in June 2008. A review of submissions and a final risk
analysis were prepared in February 2009.
Live sheep and goats: A draft risk analysis considering
disease risks associated with live sheep and goat imports
from Australia was released for public consultation
in July 2008. A review of submissions and a final risk
analysis were prepared in February 2009.
Budgerigars from the United Kingdom: A draft risk
analysis of disease associated with budgerigars imported
from the UK for breeding was released for public
consultation in December 2008. A review of submissions
and a final risk analysis were prepared in May 2009.
Cats and dogs: A risk analysis on dogs and cats and
canine semen has been underway for a number of years.
A draft risk analysis was released for public consultation
in June 2009, and the review of submissions and final risk
analysis were completed in November 2009.
Parrot eggs: There has long been interest in importing
parrots into New Zealand, and it has been believed that
the absence of an import health standard to enable legal
importation may indirectly increase the likelihood of
smuggling these valuable birds. Therefore, following on
from the passerine hatching eggs risk analysis that MAF
completed in 2006, a risk analysis on hatching eggs of
parrots was initiated. A draft risk analysis was released
for public consultation in August 2009, and by the end
of 2009 the review of submissions and final risk analysis
were almost completed.
Pig semen: A draft risk analysis on pig semen from
Australia, the USA, Canada, the EU and Norway was
initiated in 2007 and a draft document was released for
public consultation in August 2009. Further analysis
work was necessary as a result of several issues that arose
during public consultation, and it is anticipated that this
work will be completed by mid-2010.
Homing pigeons: Pigeon fanciers have long been
interested in importing high-quality birds from Australia,
and a risk analysis of this has been underway for several
years. A draft risk analysis was released for public
consultation in May 2009, and the review of submissions
and final risk analysis were completed in August 2009.
Equine germplasm: In 2008 work began on an analysis
of the biosecurity risks associated with the importation
of frozen semen and in-vivo-derived frozen embryos
of horses, donkeys and zebras from Australia, Canada,
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 5

the EU and the USA. A draft risk analysis was released
for public consultation in July 2009. There were no
submissions, and the risk analysis was finalised in
December 2009.
Ornamental fish: As the list of ornamental fish species
permitted to be imported was updated after the risk
analysis was completed in 2005, additional work
was required as well as a review of submissions. In
June 2009 the review and a supplementary risk analysis
were produced, with the latter being released for
public consultation. The review of submissions on the
supplementary risk analysis was underway at the end of
2009, and it is anticipated that this will be completed early
in 2010.
Aquatic animal products: A review of aquatic animal
product import standards was completed in 2009. This
document contained a number of recommendations
and identifies areas for future work. As a result,
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) decided
that aquatic animal product import standards should be
amended to ensure better consistency, clarity and ease of
use, and a work programme was drawn up. Some of this
work will commence in 2010.
Llamas and alpacas: There is increasing international
trade in llamas and alpacas, and imports into
New Zealand from the USA and Australia have grown in
recent years from around 50 animals per year to about
550 in 2008–09. Partly as a result of concern about the
potential risk posed by hydatids in these animals, in
2009 work began on a risk analysis to update the 1998
MAF Regulatory Authority policy document that formed
the basis for the current Import Health Standards. It is
anticipated that a draft risk analysis will be completed for
public consultation by mid-2010.
Cervine germplasm: As a result of continuing
stakeholder interest in importing semen and embryos
from elk/wapiti (Cervus canadensis) from Korea, in
September 2009 MAF initiated an analysis of the
biosecurity risks associated with cervine germplasm from
all countries. A draft for internal and external review is
expected to be completed by mid-2010.
began on an import risk analysis for uncooked turkey
meat from all countries. By the end of 2009 a draft
document for internal and external review had been
prepared, and it was anticipated that a draft for public
consultation would be ready in the first half of 2010.
Scrapie: Two risk analyses on scrapie are at an advanced
stage. The first is a re-assessment of the scrapie risk posed
by semen and embryos of sheep and goats. This work was
considered necessary because there have been significant
scientific advances since the last scrapie risk analyses were
conducted in the early 1990s. The second is an assessment
of the scrapie risk posed by imported sheep’s cheese made
from unpasteurised milk. It is anticipated that these risk
analyses will be completed by mid-2010.
Zoo animals: A number of risk analyses have been
undertaken on zoo animals, particularly from zoos
in Australia. The priorities for this work have been
negotiated with the Zoo and Aquarium Association
(previously ARAZPA), which links 70 zoos and aquariums
across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific
in a network for environmental education and wildlife
research and conservation. Highest on the priority list
was the Tasmanian devil, for which a draft risk analysis
was released for public consultation in August 2009.
There were no submissions on this document, so the
risk analysis was finalised in November 2009. Next on
the priority list was the white rhinoceros, for which a
draft risk analysis was released for public consultation
in July 2009 and a review of submissions and final risk
analysis were completed in December 2009. At the end of
2009, work was underway on Asian elephants, marsupials
and monotremes (wombats, wallabies, kangaroos, gliders,
potoroos, marsupial mouse, echidna, platypus), rodents
(African crested porcupine, agouti, capybara, mara),
primates and sand sharks. It is anticipated that these risk
analyses will be completed in 2010.
Animal Kingdom Risk Analysis Team
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
Email: Risk.Analysis@maf.govt.nz
Turkey meat: The development of an Import Health
Standard for turkey meat from the EU has been identified
as a priority for MAFBNZ. In view of the highly specific
focus of MAF’s 1999 import risk analysis, in 2009 work
6
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

TABLE 1: NUMBER OF IMPORT PERMITS ISSUE BY ANIMAL IMPORTS
TEAM DURING 2009
Category Product type Number
Animal product
Biologicals
Embryos
Live animals
Semen
Animal feed
Animal product
Animal specimen
Bee
Dairy
Dairy/meat samples
Egg
Equine
Fertiliser
Fibre
Fish
Hides/skins
Meat
Meat/dairy/poultry/fish
Porcine
Semen extender
Wool
15
146
5
69
15
3
3
2
1
16
6
9
26
1
26
2
4
Total 349
Biologicals – general
Biologicals – restricted
Organisms
522
307
2
Total 522
Bovidae
Laboratory animals
Ovine
Total 27
Birds
Bovidae
Butterfly
Camelid
Dog/cat
Dog/cat – quarantine
Equine
Fish
Insect
Invertebrate
Laboratory animals
Marine invertebrates
Ovine
Rabbit
Rodent
Zoological
19
6
2
3
18
2
18
38
602
27
13
2
14
54
5
5
8
1
20
Total 838
Bee
Bovidae
Canine
Equine
Ovine
Porcine
0
90
7
5
11
7
Total 120
Transit All 164
Total permits issued 2 329
ANIMAL IMPORTS
The Animal Imports Team of MAF Biosecurity
New Zealand (MAFBNZ) is responsible for developing
and amending biosecurity import requirements (import
health standards) for live animals, germplasm and animal
products. The team also provides advice to the general
public, and technical advice to staff at the border.
Enquiries regarding the importation of animals or
animal products, including biological products, microorganisms
and cell cultures, should be directed to the
Animal Imports Team (animalimports@maf.govt.nz) or
phone (04 894 0100).
Import permits are issued to allow a range of animal
and animal products to cross the border in line with a
import health standard. There were 2209 permits issued
in 2009 (Table 1). Note that the number of permits is not
necessarily related to the volume of trade: for example,
one permit might be issued to import 30 alpacas.
Numbers of live animal and germplasm imports in
2009 are listed in Table 2; these are estimates based on
importers’ stated intentions and may differ from the
numbers actually imported.
Following is a summary of the major new or amended
Import Health Standards issued in 2009.
Ornamental fish and marine invertebrates from
all countries
The import health standard was changed to allow the
importation of species of fish and marine invertebrates of
several genera that have been assessed as low biosecurity
risk. Broadening the range of fish species available for
importation is welcomed by the New Zealand aquarium
trade.
Bovine meat from Japan
Constraints on the import of beef from Japan have
been removed. They were put in place in 2004 by the
Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health is no longer
responsible for food safety import risks; these are now
handled by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority.
Minor changes were made to reflect the change in
government department.
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 7

TABLE 2: LIVE ANIMAL AND SEMEN IMPORTS BY SPECIES IN 2009
Species
Adult/
Juvenile
Cat 1 598
Dog 3 007 687
Semen Pupae Embryo Egg Larvae
Lepidoptera 2 038 81 636 1 1 950
Equine 1 672 10 800
All species 161
Invertebrate 471 1 737 100 492
Bovine 11 140 693 427
Avian 48 607
Circus/zoo 3
Ovine 19 5 839
Reptile 2
Fish 183 204 2 100
Alpaca 149
Mouse 1 574
Aquatic 10 432
Caged bird 1
Laboratory
animal
139
Gastropod 1
Rat 225
Rabbit 29
Spider 12
Porcine 1 045
Unknown 166 0 4
Other species 250 2
Other
samples
124
Sea urchin 10 000
Starfish 117
Guinea pig 76
Marine
mammal
225
Caprine 6
Cervine 318
Pig meat from Finland and Sweden
MAFBNZ recognised Sweden as having regained
freedom from porcine reproductive and respiratory
syndrome (PRRS). This amendment removed the
notification that Sweden must comply with the cooking
or pH requirements applied to pig meat imported
from countries with PRRS, and applies to pig meat
and pig meat products from Sweden derived from pigs
slaughtered after 16 March 2009.
Processed tilapia and catfish for human consumption
from specified countries
In response to requests from industry, an import health
standard was developed for importing skinless, boneless
fish fillets (or mince derived from fillets) of tilapia
from China and Brazil, and catfish from Vietnam. The
imported fillets are processed in New Zealand prior to
sale, and are required to meet the gap in supply of white
fish portions brought about by local quota cuts.
Importing specified foods for human consumption
containing animal products
This import health standard was amended and reissued
on 25 May 2009. The amendment constituted a series of
minor changes resulting primarily from internal review
and non-conforming consignments at the border. The
majority of changes involved updating definitions and
aligning the standard with other, more recently issued
standards. The main products for which standards were
amended to reflect actual risk were moon cakes, meat
lollies, dairy products in alcohol, bird’s nest soup, eggs,
salami and jerky.
Shelf-stable spray-dried egg powders or egg crystals from
specified countries
This standard was amended in light of the new risk
analysis for egg powders from all countries, and
combined existing standards from Canada, the USA,
Australia and member countries of the EU. The amended
requirements take into account the hazards identified
in the risk analysis for albumen egg powders/crystals
(angara disease), and for all egg powders/crystals
(exotic avian influenza).
Import health standard for the importation into
New Zealand of horses from Australia
This import health standard was amended to reflect
Australia’s freedom from equine influenza according to
the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) Terrestrial
Code. Additional measures on the import of horses from
Australia had been imposed as a result of the equine
influenza outbreak in 2007. The additional measures for
vaccination, testing, and pre- and post-arrival quarantine
were removed.
8
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

Importation of specified processed poultry meat products
for human consumption from Australia
Hitherto only commercially sterile poultry product
(e.g. canned, retorted or rendered) could be imported.
This import health standard allows for the importation
of uncooked poultry meat from Australia provided it
meets the conditions of a special disease-free facility
or “compartment”, which must be free from the highly
heat-resistant infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV)
and have approved biosecurity practices preventing its
introduction. A permit to import product will be issued
once a biosecurity plan specific to the compartment
has been assessed and pre-approved by both
Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) and
MAFBNZ.
Provisional pig meat import health standards
Four provisional import health standards were issued
following an extensive review of submissions on the
draft import health standards. The draft import health
standards had been released following the publication
and public consultation on the Import Risk Analysis on
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome. Major
changes included a revised range of pH treatment based
on the current scientific literature, and the addition of
consumer-ready cuts. The provisional import health
standards remain provisional following a request for
an independent review made by the New Zealand Pork
Industry Board, and granted by the Director General.
The Independent Review Panel Report was received on
31 March 2010 and is currently being assessed.
Animal Imports Team
Animal Imports and Exports Group
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
Email: imports@maf.govt.nz
EXPORTS OF LIVE ANIMALS AND GERMPLASM
The major live animal and animal germplasm exports
and their destinations in 2009 are presented in Table 3.
Table 4 compares volumes of live animal and germplasm
exports by commodity for the last ten years.
Number of export certificates issued
There were 78 new or amended export certificates issued
in 2009 under the Animal Products Act 1999.
Official Assurance Programme: Requirements for Export
of Live Animals and Germplasm (OAP)
This document underwent a major revision in
2007–2008 and the revised version became mandatory
from 1 May 2009. An annual review has since taken place
and an updated version of the OAP is due to be published
shortly.
Export Laboratory Programme: Requirements for
Laboratories and Persons Specifications for Conducting
Testing of Live Animals and Germplasm for Export (ELP)
This document was published in December 2009 and has
recently been revised, coming into force on 1 May 2010.
All laboratories conducting testing of live animals and
germplasm for export must operate under the new ELP by
31 Jan 2011.
These documents can be found at www.biosecurity.govt.
nz/regs/exports/animals/oap
Animal Exports Team
Border Standards Directorate
Email: animalexports@maf.govt.nz
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 9

TABLE 3: VOLUME OF MAJOR LIVE ANIMAL AND ANIMAL GERMPLASM EXPORTS TO WORLD REGIONS IN 2009
Africa Asia Australia Canada Europe
except UK
Middle
East
Pacific
Islands
Central &
Sth America
UK US As at Jan
2010 Total
Alpacas * * * * 375 * * * * * 375
Aviary birds 29 201 1 1 * * 1 000 * * * 1 232
Queen bees * * * 3 061 * * * * 840 * 3 901
Bee packages kg * * * 30 720 * * * * * * 30 720
Cattle * 12 846 1 * * * * * * * 12 847
Bovine embryos * 143 494 211 * * * 148 * 81 1 077
Bovine semen 156 505 8 150 150 281 500 317 948 * 187 334 106 239 156 52 166 1 258 999
Deer * * * * * * * 46 * * 46
Cats and dogs 45 304 2 648 76 137 9 100 6 358 292 3 975
Ferrets * 1 397 * * * * * * * * 1 397
Goats * 162 * * * * 6 * 22 * 190
Caprine/ovine
embryos
Caprine/ovine
semen
* 60 * * * * * 159 * 11 230
* 1 650 5 179 550 * * * 2 729 * 266 10 374
Equine semen * 5 195 * * * * * * * 5 195
Horses * 594 1 699 * 4 * 31 * 48 90 2 466
Day-old chicks/
hatching eggs
4 138 556 375 * * * * 4 398 434 * * * 4 958 947
Sheep * 2 * * * * 100 22 * * 124
Wallabies * 113 * * * * * * * 317 430
Grand Total 6 292 523
TABLE 4: COMPARISON OF MAJOR LIVE ANIMAL AND ANIMAL GERMPLASM EXPORTS TO WORLD REGIONS, 2000–2009
Species/year 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
Bee packages (kg) 30 720 22 535 17 587 7 421 15 711 28 558 27 281 18 028 11 981 14 056
Bovine semen 1 258 999 785 939 716 865 680 143 785 217 760 302 466 773 634 179 451 819 155 737
Cattle 12 847 17 075 25 909 31 266 42 677 61 945 19 502 10 302 10 629 9 583
Deer 46 115 159 1 524 68 44 264 324 59 31
Goats 190 6 349 1 634 14 1 062 55 603 914 1 641
Horses 2 466 2 508 2 562 2 990 2 817 1 303 2 665 3 482 3 349 3 448
Cats and dogs (all
countries including
UK)
Day-old chicks/
hatching eggs
3 975 5 050 4 791 4 207 3 536 3 164 3 104 2 876 3 858 3 721
4 958 947 6 129 734 7 471 678 9 021 184 7 392 481 6 139 311 8 066 490 9 169 335 9 287 013 9 089 970
Sheep 124 118 34 894 983 4 623 32 44 336 33 271 33 862 508
10
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

Animal Health Laboratory
The Investigation and Diagnostic Centre (IDC) Animal
Health Laboratory (AHL) provides veterinary diagnostic
testing and expertise for detection, diagnosis, control and
eradication of exotic pests and diseases.
We also continue to strengthen our connections to our
National Centre for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease
(NCBID) partners, enabling us to pool our resources
to achieve outcomes more efficiently. Laboratory staff
significantly assisted NCBID colleagues in the wholeof-government
response to the recent H1N1 “swine flu”
pandemic.
AHL staff have implemented procedures and obtained
new equipment for rapidly testing large numbers of
samples, either for surveillance or to respond to an
outbreak of exotic disease. New automated equipment
to extract nucleic acids from samples for PCR testing
enabled over 4000 samples to be rapidly tested for avian
influenza and Newcastle disease. The AHL also provides
surveillance testing for BSE, exotic strains of pathogens
such as bovine viral diarrhoea and infectious bovine
rhinotracheitis, arboviruses such as West Nile disease
virus and bee diseases including deformed wing virus,
Israeli acute paralysis virus and the microsporidean
Nosema ceranae. These programmes provide important
information on New Zealand’s disease status for our
trading partners.
The AHL carried out or subcontracted over 17 000
diagnostic tests in 2009 in support of veterinary
exotic disease investigations and trade. At any time,
the laboratory could be working on up to a dozen
investigations. It is important that this work be carried out
quickly, expertly and to a high standard, so that incursions
of exotic diseases can be rapidly identified or ruled out,
and damage minimised. Tests were also performed to
meet the health certification needs of importing countries
and support trade in live animals and germplasm. A wide
variety of tests are provided for this purpose, particularly
as the AHL meets the need for testing that is either not
available elsewhere in New Zealand or requires specialist
expertise and facilities.
During 2009 the AHL contributed to capability
development in the veterinary laboratory network in the
Pacific Islands, assisting with training of their laboratory
staff and involving hands-on experience with laboratory
techniques. Capability for testing for exotic animal
diseases such as foot and mouth disease is important to
obtain proof of country freedom for trade and economic
development in the region.
The success of our work continues to be underpinned
by the commitment of our laboratory staff to quality
systems. The Laboratory has been accredited to ISO:17025
for nearly 10 years. External endorsement of the quality
of our work, staff skills and systems remains a central
objective in our business planning.
SUPPORTING INCURSION INVESTIGATIONS
The AHL at Wallaceville provided valuable diagnostic
support and scientific input into a wide variety of
incursion investigations during 2009. The majority
of these investigations involved multiple team efforts,
utilising more than one scientific discipline to identify
or rule out a suspected exotic disease. The following
examples highlight the breadth of some of the 2009
incursion investigations carried out by the bacteriology
and aquatic animal diseases, immunology and virology
teams using molecular, serological and culture tests:
Apidae: Bees were tested for Israeli acute paralysis virus,
Kashmir bee virus, Nosema apis and N. ceranae, European
foulbrood disease and Paenibacillus alvei.
Avian: Ducks were tested for avian influenza virus and
chickens were tested for avian influenza, Newcastle
disease and fowl cholera. Lovebirds and African
Grey parrot were tested for avian polyomavirus,
beak and feather disease virus, Pacheco disease virus
and psittacine adenovirus. Partridges were tested
for Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale and Pasteurella
multocida.
Aquatic animals: There were 22 investigations this year,
all into fish kills involving wild populations. Other
species were tested from wild and farmed environments,
including fish (pilchards, mackerel, Ray’s bream and
ornamentals) and molluscs (cockles, toheroa, paua, and
tuatua).
Bovine: Cattle were tested for bovine viral diarrhoea virus
II; anthrax; outbreaks of pleuritis and peritonitis in calves
were tested for toxigenic Pasteurella multocida;, ruling out
of Campylobacter fetus venerealis from bull faeces with
identification of Campylobacter hyointestinalis.
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 11

Canine: Dogs were tested for brucella, leptospirosis and
canine distemper virus.
Caprine: Goats were tested for contagious agalactia,
Q fever and Chlamydophila abortus.
Cervine: Red deer were tested for cervine herpesvirus,
and elk for chronic wasting disease.
Equine: Horses were tested for equine influenza virus
and equine infectious anemia virus, horsepox, equine
herpesvirus 1 and 4, and equine viral arteritis.
Ovine: Sheep were tested for scrapie, bluetongue and
brucellosis.
Porcine: Pigs were tesed for influenza virus and
Mycoplasma.
ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMMES
During 2009, the AHL continued to run and support
active surveillance programmes, which included the
following:
Avian influenza surveillance of migratory shorebirds
and resident waterfowl: 2500 oropharyngeal and cloacal
swabs were collected from 1102 mallard ducks, 69 knots
and 79 godwits. Samples were tested in pools of three
by Influenza A real-time RT/PCR, and any positive and
suspicious samples were further tested using conventional
H5 and H7-specific PCR assays. No H5 or H7 influenza
virus was isolated from PCR-positive samples.
The low-pathogenic H5N1 virus isolate identified from
a duck during the 2008 surveillance programme was the
subject of a major collaborative comparative in vivo study
at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (CSIRO). The
experiments tested the potential of this low-pathogenicity
AI virus to be a vaccine candidate in chickens and ducks,
but the initial results did not confirm this potential.
Israeli acute paralysis virus and Nosema spp: honey
bees from 210 high-risk sites have been, and are being,
collected to test for and distinguish between Israeli acute
paralysis virus and Kashmir bee virus, and between
Nosema apis and N. ceranae. During 2009 the assays
were developed and tested on archived specimens, which
showed 12 out of 13 bee samples were positive for N. apis,
while all were negative for N. ceranae.
Flavivirus real-time PCR: flavivirus real-time PCR
for generic identification of all flavivirus species was
implemented for New Zealand surveillance.
Paenibacillus alvei: a procedure was developed to identify
this bacterium from bees and associated samples, and
initial screening of small numbers of bees was carried out.
TSE surveillance: in 2009, a total of 125 cattle, 14 sheep
and 4 deer spinal cord samples were tested, with negative
results. As part of a deer tissue evaluation project,
107 brain stem and 107 lymph node samples were
also tested, again with negative results. Furthermore,
259 sheep and 250 cattle brain stem samples were tested,
with negative results on brains sent to Europe for rapid
TSE test method evaluations.
The first case of atypical scrapie/Nor98 in a New Zealand
sheep was detected in September 2009 in a brain that had
been sent to Europe in 2008 as part of negative control
material for scrapie rapid test evaluations
PREPAREDNESS IMPROVEMENTS
Our scientists and technicians run development projects
to continually improve and adopt new molecular biology
technologies to aid in the identification of exotic diseases.
This has led to improved capability through the following:
Real-time PCRs for avian influenza: we recently
introduced real time RT/PCR to identify influenza
subtypes H5 and H7. These PCRs are still under
evaluation, but have already significantly improved the
speed of testing.
Foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) real-time RT-PCR:
a project was begun to evaluate a real-time IRES RT-PCR
to supplement the FMDV 3D real-time RT-PCR currently
in use. The use of two PCRs will prevent false-negative
results in cases of nucleotide substitutions in primer/
probe binding areas.
West Nile virus PCR: two PCR TaqMan tests have been
validated for West Nile virus.
Arbovirus detection: detection of alphaviruses and
flaviviruses has been implemented.
Hendra and Nipah virus PCRs: a pair of pan
Morbillivirus-Respirovirus-Henipavirus genus subgroup-
12
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

specific primers were used successfully to amplify canine
distemper virus (CDV) positive controls and rule out
CDV and other paramyxoviruses in an investigation.
Aquatic diseases diagnostic capability: this has been
significantly improved with the development, validation
and clinical testing of several molecular diagnostic tools
for finfish viruses and mollusc diseases.
Real-time PCR malignant catarrhal fever (MCF): a realtime
MCF PCR has been evaluated to supplement the
conventional nested PCR currently in use.
Trichinella ELISA and pepsin digest assays:
Trichinella pepsin digest and antibody ELISA assays
were implemented because commercial laboratories had
discontinued this service. These tests are primarily for
pre-export certification.
FACILITATING TRADE
During 2009 the AHL carried out more than 20 000
tests to facilitate New Zealand’s export trade in animals
and germplasm. The laboratory provides testing which
either is unavailable from other, commercial suppliers,
or requires the use of live exotic agents. In addition, this
year we were asked to commence testing for the presence
of ruminant protein in feed for ruminants. This test helps
ensure BSE does not enter the food chain.
During 2009 the AHL maintained its ISO:17025
accreditation through IANZ, providing quality assurance
to our stakeholders and trading partners.
THROUGHPUT
In 2009 the AHL provided 4419 diagnostic tests to
support exotic disease investigations. In addition,
tests for exotic diseases were completed to support
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ)’s active
surveillance programme, and in some cases, certification
for trade.
Numbers of exotic disease tests during the year include:
• 3000 tests for avian influenza;
• 150 tests for transmissible spongiform
encephalopathies (BSE, scrapie etc);
• 28 tests to support investigations of suspect foot and
mouth disease;
• 55 tests for classical swine fever;
• 1176 tests for Newcastle disease;
• 975 tests for equine influenza;
• 550 rabies tests (subcontracted to the Australian
Animal Health Laboratory);
• 659 tests for mycoplasma species;
• 7 tests for anthrax.
At the AHL we utilise both traditional and contemporary
techniques in molecular biology. Molecular biology is
becoming more accepted as a frontline test as information
and technology availability grows around the world. The
above figures include conventional and real-time PCR,
ELISA, haemagglutination inhibition, virus neutralisation
tests, Western blot, microscopic examination and several
different methods of culture.
Our testing capability was improved during 2009 with a
high-throughput sample processor/nucleic acid extractor.
This equipment enables the rapid, reproducible and
automated handling of thousands of samples per day
should the need ever arise during an exotic disease
response. The AHL, in association with PHEL (Tamaki)
is to procure two high-throughput real-time PCR
machines in the near future to complement the nucleic
acid extractors, bringing us in line with expectations that
frontline testing for high-profile exotic diseases will be
rapid, reliable and maintainable.
The laboratory’s tests are divided among four different
disciplines, plus some are subcontracted within
New Zealand and worldwide. Table 1 provides a summary
of the main purposes of testing by discipline, and the total
numbers of tests completed for each. These tests use more
than 450 different test methods.
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL
CONNECTIONS
The laboratory maintains a wide variety of links to
facilitate its work. For incursion investigation work,
export and diagnostic work, we source specialist
tests from both New Zealand experts and reference
laboratories worldwide.
Diagnostic capability development has also resulted
in the formation of links with international reference
laboratories and universities to source control material,
compare methodologies and carry out test validation
work.
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 13

TABLE 1: SUMMARY OF AHL LABORATORY TESTS, 2009
Purpose of testing
Aquatic animal
diseases
Bacteriology Immunology Virology Subcontracted Total
Diagnosis of exotic disease 802 1 489 813 418 897 4 419
Diagnosis of endemic
disease
58 229 1 375 186 58 1 906
Export and import 126 1 197 6 173 4 568 799 12 863
Germplasm/AI centre
testing
0 26 744 493 3 1 266
Funded projects 3 000 676 3 395 4 018 48 11 137
Total* 3 986 3 617 12 500 9 683 1 805 31 591
*IDC AHL also carries out annually a further 5000 tests not noted in this table.
In 2009 the AHL hosted laboratory training for five
delegates from Wallis and Futuna, Fiji, French Polynesia
and Samoa, and included a laboratory technician, three
veterinarians and the group liaison officer. The training
was funded by a New Zealand International Aid grant to
the Secretariat of the Pacific Community. Each delegate
highlighted the importance of links with laboratories such
as the AHL as often they are the sole person responsible
for overseeing animal diagnostics, veterinary services and
biosecurity incursions in these regional islands.
During 2009 we provided assistance to the Environmental
Science and Research services (ESR) during the
emergency response to the outbreak of novel Influenza
A H1N1 virus. At the height of the response staff from
both organisations worked in shifts to achieve a 24-hour
test turnaround of up to 350 samples (including 700 PCR
tests) each day. The H1N1 response has shown the ability
of organisations working together at NCBID during
an emergency to cope with the changing demands of a
response and to rapidly develop capability and escalate
testing capacity.
AHL experts also contributed to international
representation through their participation in
multinational animal disease working groups.
Wlodek Stanislawek is a member of the EU-organised
FluLabNet, a collaborative network on avian influenza.
Colin Johnston represents New Zealand on the Sub-
Committee on Aquatic Animal Health, the aquatic animal
health working group of the Animal Health Quadrilateral
Committee, a joint initiative of Australia, Canada,
New Zealand and the United States of America, and
participated in World Organisation for Animal Health
TABLE 2: STAFFING AND STRUCTURE
Director, Investigation and
Diagnostic Centres
Animal Health Laboratory Manager
Bacteriology and Aquatic Animal Diseases
Team Manager
Aquatic Animal Diseases Principal
Adviser
Scientists
Laboratory Supervisor
Techincal staff
Immunology
Team Manager
Immunology Principal Adviser
Scientists
Laboratory Supervisor
Technical staff
Equipment Officer
Virology
Team Manager
Scientists
Laboratory Supervisor
Technical staff
Containment Laboratory
Supervisor
Hugh Davies (Wellington)
Joseph O’Keefe
Wendy McDonald
Colin Johnston
Richard Spence, Edna Gias, Suzi
Keeling (maternity leave)
Irina Bolotovski
Barbara Black, Cara Brosnahan,
(Assistant Containment Laboratory
Supervisor 0.3 FTE), Carola Bruns,
Sharon Humphrey, Mary Mewett
Clive Pigott
Reinhold Kittelberger
Rick Clough
Judy Jenner
Rudolpho Bueno, Michaela Hannah,
Jenny Wait
Rosa Short
Grant Munro
Wlodek Stanislawek, Kok-Mun
Tham, David Pulford
Della Orr
Loretta Dellow, Taryrn Haydon,
Denise Keen, Eliza Sanderson,
Richard Swainsbury
Michael McIntyre
14
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

(OIE) Aquatic Animal Health Standards Commission
ad hoc working groups. Wendy McDonald represents
New Zealand on the Sub-Committee on Animal Health
Laboratory Standards (SCAHLS). Reinhold Kittelberger,
Wendy McDonald and Joseph O’Keefe have all
participated in SCAHLS working groups.
STAFF PUBLICATIONS IN SCIENTIFIC AND
TECHNICAL JOURNALS
Langstaff IG, McKenzie JS, Stanislawek WL, Reed CEM,
Poland R, Cork SC. Surveillance for highly pathogenic
avian influenza of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
New Zealand Veterinary Journal 57(3), 160–65, 2009.
McFadden AMJ, Mackereth GF, Avery MI, Clough RR,
Bolotovski I, Fitzmaurice J, Julian AF. A syndrome of
facial paralysis of dairy calves in the Franklin district of
New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 57(1),
63–68, 2009.
McFadden AM, McFadden BD, Mackereth GF, Clough
RR, Hueston L, Gradwell B, Dymond M. A serological
survey of cattle in the Thames-Coromandel district
of New Zealand for antibodies to Ross River virus.
New Zealand Veterinary Journal 57(2), 116–20, 2009.
Pulford DJ, Dobbie P, Fraga Vazquez S, Fraser-Smith E,
Frost DA, Morris CA. Variation in bull beef quality due
to ultimate muscle pH is correlated to endopeptidase and
small heat shock protein levels. Meat Science 83, 1–9,
2009.
Kittelberger R, Mars J, Wibberley G, Sting GR, Henning
K, Horner G, Sewell M, Garnett K, Jenner J, Pigott C,
O’Keefe J. Comparison of the Q-fever complement
fixation test and two commercial enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assays for the detection of serum
antibodies against Coxiella burnetii (Q-fever) in
ruminants. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 57, 262–68,
2009.
Kittelberger R, McIntyre L. A case of atypical scrapie/
Nor98 in a sheep in New Zealand. Surveillance 36(4):
6–10, 2009.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS AND
PROCEEDINGS
Gias E, Johnston C, Keeling S, Spence R, McDonald WL.
Rapid molecular diagnostic tools for the detection of
iridoviruses of high risk to New Zealand. ComBio2009,
Christchurch, New Zealand, December 2009.
Kittelberger R. Evaluation of four ELISAs for the
detection of influenza A antibodies in the New Zealand
horse population. Australian Association of Veterinary
Laboratory Diagnosticians Conference, Launceston,
Tasmania, November 2009.
Kittelberger R. A case of atypical scrapie/Nor98 in a
New Zealand sheep. Australian Association of Veterinary
Laboratory Diagnosticians Conference, Launceston,
Tasmania, November 2009.
Pigott C. The influenza H1N1 (2009) Response in
New Zealand – NCBID Partnership – one world one
health. Australian Association of Veterinary Laboratory
Diagnosticians Conference, Launceston, Tasmania,
November 2009.
Spence RP, Bruce I, McFadden A, Hill F, Humphrey
S, van der Graaf L, Wagenaar JA, van Bergen MAP.
Diagnostic challenges faced identifying to species
level two Campylobacter isolates from bull faeces.
Australian Association of Veterinary Laboratory
Diagnosticians Conference, Launceston, Tasmania,
November 2009.
Investigation and Diagnostic Centre staff at the 2010 opening of the
National Centre for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease.
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 15

Animal health surveillance
The following tables are summaries for 2009 of the
numbers of submissions and diagnoses of specific diseases
made by MAF Biosecurity New Zealand-approved
veterinary diagnostic laboratories.
Table 1 is a summary of the numbers of laboratory
submissions from sick farmed animals, of cases of
surveillance interest to MAF, from the major livestock and
avian populations.
Table 2 lists the number of Salmonella serotypes by
animal species diagnosed by approved laboratories.
Table 3 presents the number of surveillance inspections
performed on salmonid fish farms, and the number of
laboratory tests for unwanted organisms.
Table 4 presents a cumulative record of investigations of
suspected exotic diseases conducted during 2004–2009.
TABLE 1: NUMBER OF CASES AND DIAGNOSES RECEIVED FROM VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORIES DURING 2009
CATTLE
Total sick animal cases 8 782
Abnormalities of reproductive system 167
Neospora caninum 15
C. fetus ssp. venerealis 0
Pestivirus infection 7
Abortion 494
Neospora caninum 141
Mycotic abortion 24
Pestivirus infection 12
Leptospira spp. 9
Congenital defects 2
Ill thrift/diarrhoea 5 340
Pestivirus infection 203
Gastrointestinal parasitism 525
Johne’s disease – suspicious and confirmed 664
Trace element deficiency 246
Yersinia spp. 311
Rotavirus 289
Nervous signs 239
Listeria monocytogenes 11
Hepatic encephalopathy 13
Metabolic disease 20
Malignant catarrhal fever 3
Polioencephalomalacia 16
Histophilus somnus 0
Sudden death 536
Clostridium spp. 3
Respiratory disease 243
FARMED DEER
Total sick animal cases 151
Abortion 2
Congenital defects 1
Ill thrift/diarrhoea 85
Johne’s disease 7
Trace element deficiency 7
Yersinia spp. 6
Nervous signs 11
Malignant catarrhal fever 0
Sudden death 43
Gastrointestinal parasitism 3
Malignant catarrhal fever 1
SHEEP
Total sick animal cases 750
Abnormalities of reproductive system 47
Brucella ovis 6
Abortion 177
Campylobacter fetus spp. fetus 11
Other Camplyobacter spp. 7
Toxoplasma gondii 23
Salmonella Brandenburg 27
Congenital defects 1
Ill thrift/diarrhoea 252
Johne’s disease 22
Trace element deficiency 12
Gastrointestinal parasitism 65
Nervous signs 40
Listeria monocytogenes 5
Polioencephalomalacia 2
Clostridium spp 1
Respiratory disease 12
Sudden death 171
Gastrointestinal parasitism 27
HORSES
Total sick animal cases 2 910
Abortion 45
S. zooepidemicus 0
Circulatory disease 120
Ill thrift/diarrhoea 751
Gastrointestinal parasitism 32
Nervous signs 94
Respiratory disease 432
Streptococcal infection 65
Sudden death 22
PIGS
Total sick animal cases 67
Abortion 4
Ill thrift/diarrhoea 15
Nervous signs 3
Sudden death 21
GOATS
Total sick animal cases 234
Abortion 5
Ill thrift/diarrhoea 115
Gastrointestinal parasitism 44
Respiratory disease 7
Nervous signs 14
Listeria monocytogenes 0
Caprine arthritis encephalitis 0
Sudden death 31
Clostridium perfringens D (enterotoxaemia) 0
Gastrointestinal parasitism 4
LAMOIDS
Total sick animal cases 292
Abortion 4
Ill thrift/diarrhoea 131
Gastrointestinal parasitism 26
Nervous signs 18
Respiratory disease 4
Sudden death 28
AVIAN SPECIES
Total number of submissions 163
16
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

TABLE 2: SALMONELLA SEROTYPES ISOLATED FROM ANIMALS
DURING 2009
Serotypes Bovine Equine Lamoid Ovine Porcine
Anatum 2
Brandenberg 4 27 1
Hindmarsh 2 16
Typhimurium 85 3 3 2 3
Unspecified 7
Total 100 3 3 46 4
TABLE 3: SALMONID SURVEILLANCE DURING 2009
Number of salmon farms visited 16
Number of farms with significant mortalities 0
Number of farms where significant infectious disease
was found
Laboratory examinations
No of
farms
No of
samples
0
No of
positives
Viral cultures 16 1 800 0
Myxobolus cerebralis 8 480 0
Yersinia ruckeri 16 1 800 0
Aeromonas salmonicida 16 1 800 0
Renibacterium salmoninarum 7 420 0
TABLE 4: CUMULATIVE LIST OF SIGNIFICANT (1) INVESTIGATIONS OF SUSPECTED EXOTIC DISEASES 2004–2009
Disease agents investigated and
confirmed as negative
Abalone virus ganglioneuritis 1 1
African horse sickness 1 1
Africanised honeybee (Apis mellifera scutella)/
Cape bee (Apis mellifera capensis)
2 1 2 5
Akabane virus 1 1 2
Anthrax 3 4 1 1 3 12
Aujeszky’s disease 1 1 3 5
Avian infectious bronchitis virus (exotic
strains)
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
1 1
Avian pneumovirus 2 2
Avian influenza: highly pathogenic notifiable 8 21 14 9 3 55
avian influenza & Newcastle disease (2)
Avian influenza: low-pathogenicity notifiable
3 1 4
avian influenza (3)
Avian malaria 1 1 1 3
Babesia canis, B. gibsoni 3 3
Babesia felis 1 1 2
Brucella abortus 2 2 1 3
Brucella canis 13 14 4 11 9 51
Brucella suis (4) 1 1 2
Bovine viral diarrhoea type II 2 1 3
Canine distemper virus 1 1
Canine influenza (5) 1 1 2
Classical swine fever 1 1 3 5
Chlamydophila abortus (enzootic abortion) 1 4 5
Coccidioides immitis 1 1
Colony collapse disorder 1 1
Contagious agalactia 1 4 1 1 7
Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia 1 1
Contagious equine metritis 1 1
Culicoides spp. 1 1
dwarf gourami iridovirus (fish) 1 1
Total
Disease agents investigated and
confirmed as negative
Ehrlichia canis 7 3 3 6 3 22
Epizootic ulcerative syndrome (fish) 1 1
Equine babesiosis/theileriosis/ehrlichiosis 2 8 6 16
Equine herpesvirus type 1 (abortion strains) 1 1
Equine infectious anaemia/Equine viral
arteritis
21 14 8 10 11 64
Equine influenza (6) 1 2 3
European foulbrood (bees) 10 2 3 3 3 21
Exotic bovine theileriosis/babesiosis 2 1 1 1 1 6
Exotic ticks 3 2 3 8
Feline spongiform encephalopathy 2 2
Fish mortality (wild, marine) – exclusion of
exotic and novel infectious disease agents
3 3
Haemogregarine parasite (reptile) 4 1 5
Haemorrhagic septicaemia (Pasteurella
multocida – toxogenic strains)
1 1 7 9
Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) 1 1 2 2 6
Hendra virus 1 1
Hydatids (Echinococcus spp.) (7) 1 1 1 1 4
Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (exotic
strains)
1 1 2
Infectious bursal disease (8) 1 3 1 1 6
Infectious haematopoietic necrosis (fish) 1 1 2
Israeli acute paralysis virus (bees) 2 2
Leishmaniasis 1 2 3
Leptospira (exotic strains) 1 4 2 7
Lumpy skin disease 1 1
Mycoplasma bovis 2 2 1 5
Mycoplasma mycoides mycoides (Large
Colony)
3 2 2 2 9
Myxomatosis 1 1 2
Nematodirus battus 1 1 2
Table 4 continued on page 18
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Total
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 17

Table 4 (continued)
Disease agents investigated and
confirmed as negative
Nosema ceranae (bees) 3 3
Pacheco’s disease 1 1 2
Parelaphastrongylus tenuis (meningeal worm) 1 1
Perkinsus marinus/olseni (wild molluscs) 1 3 4
Pilchard herpesvirus 1 1 2
Porcine pox virus 1 1
Porcine reproductive and respiratory
syndrome
1 1 1 3 6
Psittacine herpesvirus 1 1 2
Psittacine polyomavirus 2 2
Psoroptes ovis 1 1 2
Red sea bream iridoviral disease 2 2
Q fever (Coxiella burnetti) (9) 1 4 5
Rabies 2 4 6
Rinderpest 1 1 1 1 4
Salmonella (exotic strains) 3 5 5 13
Small hive beetle (bees) 2 2 1 3 1 9
Slow paralysis virus (bees) 2 2
Swine influenza 1 1 1 3
Tracheal mite of bees (Acarapis woodi) 6 2 1 6 15
Trichinella spiralis 2 2
Trichostrongylus orientalis 1 1
Tropilaelaps clareae 1 1 5 5 5 17
Trypanosoma vivax 1 1
Varroa destructor (bees; South Island) 1 1 2
Viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (fish) 1 1 2
Viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (fish) 2 1 3
Viral vesicular disease (10) 9 3 8 5 2 27
West Nile virus 1 1 1 1 4
Total 106 112 91 100 130 539
Disease agents investigated and
confirmed as positive
2005
2005
2006
2006
2007
2007
2008
2008
2009
2009
Avipox virus (11,12) 1 1 2
Canine transmissible venereal tumour (13) 1 1
Deformed wing virus (14) 3 3
Eimeria macusaniensis (alpaca) (15) 1 1
Equine papillomavirus (type 2 (16) 1 1
Exotic ticks (17) 1 2 3 1 5 13
Lamanema chavezi (alpaca) (18) 1 1 2
Moraxella Branhamella catarrhalis (19) 1 1
Mycoplasma bovigenitalium (20) 1 1 2
Mycoplasma spumans (21) 1 1
Myxobolus aldrichetti (yellow-eyed mullet) (22) 1 1
Rabbit oral papillomavirus (ROPV) (23) 1 1
Salmonella (exotic strains) (24) 2 1 3
Streptococcus gallolyticus (25) 1 1
Taenia saginata (26) 1 1
Total 6 5 10 6 7 34
Total
Total
Notes to Table 4
1 The investigations listed in this table are those that have resulted in
exclusion of an OIE notifiable disease, or other diseases investigated
more than once in the five-year span. Some investigations resulted in
multiple exclusions using specific laboratory methods, and these are
recorded against each disease. Investigation reports are published in
Surveillance in the “Quarterly report of investigations of suspected
exotic disease”.
2 See Rawdon TG et al, Surveillance 34(3), 10–17, 2007, for a report
on MAF investigations of avian mortality including risk profiling, and
analysis of spatial and temporal trends.
3 See Tana T et al, Surveillance 34(2), 11–13 2007, Frazer J et al,
Surveillance 35(2), 14–16, Frazer J et al, Surveillance 36(2), 17–18
2009, and Frazer J et al, Surveillance 37(2) (in press), 2010, for
reports on New Zealand’s avian influenza surveillance programme. Also
see Zheng T et al, New Zealand Veterinary Journal 58(2) 74–80, 2010,
for a cross-sectional survey of Influenza A infection and management
practices in small rural backyard poultry flocks in New Zealand.
4 See McDonald WL et al, Characterisation of a Brucella sp. strain as
a marine-mammal type despite isolation from a patient with spinal
osteomyelitis in New Zealand, Journal of Clinical Microbiology 44(12),
4363–70, 2006, and Bingham J et al, Infection trials in pigs with a
human isolate of Brucella (isolate 02/611 “marine mammal type”),
New Zealand Veterinary Journal 56(1), 10–14, 2008.
5 See Potter KA et al, New Zealand Veterinary Journal 57(1), 70 2009
for an abstract describing the investigation of an outbreak of severe
tracheobronchitis in racing greyhounds in New Zealand.
6 See McFadden AMJ et al, Surveillance 34(4), 4–8, 2007, for a report
on MAF’s response to manage the risk of equine influenza in horses
imported from Australia during the 2007 Australian epidemic.
7 See Bingham P, Kittelberger R and Clough R, Surveillance 33(1) 7–10,
2006, for a report detailing the investigation of a suspected case of
human echinococcosis involving a Chatham Island resident.
8 See Bingham P, Christensen N and Stanislawek WL, Surveillance 33(1)
3–6, 2006, for a report detailing the investigation of infectious bursal
disease seropositivity identified on two commercial free-range layer
properties.
9 See Stone M and McDonald W, Surveillance 32(4) 3–6 2005 for a
report detailing an investigation into the Coxiella burnetti status of a
Northland farm.
10 See McFadden AMJ et al, New Zealand Veterinary Journal 55(4), 198–
202, 2007, for an investigation into non-systemic erosive stomatitis of
unknown aetiology in a dairy cow herd in New Zealand.
11 See Bingham P, Surveillance 33(3), 11–14, 2006, for a summary
investigation report of the finding of an avipox virus in a paradise duck.
12 See Bingham P, Surveillance 35(1) 16–21, 2008, for a summary
investigation report of the finding of an avipox virus in a feral turkey.
13 See Bingham P, Surveillance 37(2) (in press), 2010, for a summary
investigation report of the finding of canine transmissible venereal
tumour in an imported dog.
18
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

14 See Bingham P, Surveillance 34(3) 27–31, 2007, for a summary
investigation report of the finding of deformed wing virus (DWV) in three
beekeeping enterprises.
15 See Rawdon T, McFadden A, King C, Mitchell V and Howell M
Surveillance 33(4) 11–15 2006 for a description of clinical findings
and risk factors associated with the first report of Eimeria macusaniensis
in alpaca in New Zealand.
16 See Bingham P Surveillance 36(2) 36 2009 for a summary investigation
report describing the first identification of equine papillomavirus (type
2) in New Zealand.
17 See Heath ACG, Surveillance 28(4) 13–15, 2001, for a full review
of exotic tick interceptions between 1980 and 2000. See also Loth
L, Surveillance 32(3) 7–9, 2005, for a further review of exotic
tick interceptions. These are recorded in the “Quarterly report of
investigations of suspected exotic disease” of the Surveillance issue for
the relevant period. In 2009 there were four exotic tick interceptions,
including two of Ixodes ricinus (castor-bean tick), found on dogs
imported from Belgium and Switzerland, and three of Rhipicephalus
sanguineus (brown dog tick) found on dogs imported from Australia.
18 See McKenna PB, Surveillance 33(4) 6–7, 2006, for the register
report of new host–parasite records; Bingham P, Surveillance 33(1)
17–23, 2006, for a summary investigation report of the finding of
Lamanema chavezi in alpaca in New Zealand; and McKenna PB et al,
New Zealand Veterinary Journal 57(6), 395–96 for a report describing
the confirmation of the occurrence of the nematode parasite Lamanema
chavezi Becklund, 1963 in South American camelids in New Zealand.
19 See Bingham P, Surveillance 34(2) 32–35, 2007, for a summary
investigation report of the finding of Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis
in a dairy herd.
25 See Bingham P, Surveillance 36(2), 37, 2009, for a summary
investigation report describing the first identification of Streptococcus
gallolyticus in New Zealand. Also see detailed report by Christensen N,
Hill F, Bruce I, King C, Surveillance 36(4), 13, 2009.
26 See Stone M, Surveillance 31(3), 2004, 26–29 and 31(4) 35–38
for summary reports into investigations of the occurrence of bovine
cysticercosis detected in cattle at slaughter.
Lachlan McIntyre
Senior Adviser Biosecurity Surveillance
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
Email: lachlan.mcintyre@maf.govt.nz
Thomas Rawdon
Incursion Investigator
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
Email: thomas.rawdon@maf.govt.nz
Colin Johnston
Principal Adviser, Aquatic Animal Disease
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
Email: colin.johnston@maf.govt.nz
20 See Bingham P, Surveillance 35(1), 16–21, 2008, for a summary
investigation report of the finding of Mycoplasma bovigenitalium in
Perendale rams. Also see detailed report by Crosbie D, Rawdon T and
Fitzmaurice J, Proceedings of the Society of Sheep and Beef Cattle
Veterinarians of the New Zealand Veterinary Association 38, 65–71,
2008.
21 See Bingham P, Surveillance 37(1) 22–28, 2010, for a summary
investigation report of the finding of Mycoplasma spumans in a dog.
22 See Bingham P, Surveillance 36(2) 38, 2009, for a summary
investigation report describing the first identification of Myxobolus
aldrichetti in yellow-eyed mullet in New Zealand.
23 See Bingham P. Surveillance 34(2) 32–35, 2007, for a summary
investigation report of the finding of rabbit oral papillomavirus (ROPV) in
a pet Flemish Giant rabbit.
24 Investigations into cases of suspect exotic salmonella in animals are
recorded in the “Quarterly report of investigations of suspected exotic
disease” of the Surveillance issue for the relevant period. See Bingham
P, Surveillance 33(1), 17–23, 2006, for a summary investigation
report of the finding of Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica, serovar
Mount Pleasant, in a green iguana. See Gartrell BD et al, Failure to
detect Salmonella species in a population of wild tuatara (Sphenodon
punctatus), New Zealand Veterinary Journal 55(3), 134–36, 2007.
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 19

Avian influenza surveillance programme
New Zealand’s avian influenza surveillance programme
is multi-faceted, incorporating active surveillance of
poultry, active surveillance of resident and migratory wild
birds, and enhanced passive surveillance. New Zealand
has never had a case of highly pathogenic notifiable
avian influenza (HPNAI) or notifiable avian influenza
(NAI) (1) .
POULTRY SURVEILLANCE
In May 2006, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ),
with the support of the Poultry Industry Association
of New Zealand and the Egg Producers Federation of
New Zealand, implemented a comprehensive active
surveillance programme for avian influenza virus H5 and
H7 subtypes in commercial poultry. Previous surveys (2,3)
in chickens and turkeys have found no evidence of NAI.
Active surveillance in ducks, quail, pheasants, partridges
and guinea fowl produced for meat, eggs, or release in
game preserves was begun in September 2008, and results
for the commercial duck and quail sector have previously
been reported (4) . Sampling for the farmed pheasant and
partridge sector was completed in March 2009. Samples
were collected from all farms that met the inclusion
criteria previously described (2) . On each property a
total of 105 cloacal swabs were collected from each
epidemiological unit, in order to detect a prevalence of 5%
between farms and 7% within farms with 95% confidence.
If fewer than 105 birds were present in an epidemiological
unit, all were tested. Samples were tested with real-time
PCR for Influenza A in pools of three. Positive pools were
tested with conventional RT-PCR to confirm absence of
H5/H7 subtypes. Results are presented in Table 1.
WILD BIRD SURVEILLANCE
Since 2004, MAFBNZ, in conjunction with the
Department of Conservation and other stakeholders,
has carried out surveillance for avian influenza on
TABLE 1: ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE FOR NOTIFIABLE AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUSES IN POULTRY, 2009
Poultry category Date sampled Number of farms
tested
Game birds
(pheasants and
partridges)
Jan–March
2010
Number of
samples tested
targeted migratory birds, in particular the bar-tailed
godwit (Limosa lapponica), and red (lesser) knot
(Calidris canutus), on their arrival from late September
to November, at Miranda, their main North Island
arrival site. These birds are targeted because of their
migration pathway, along which avian influenza viruses
may be present: directly from Arctic regions of Asia
and North America in the case of the godwit, and from
Arctic regions via the Pacific coast of Asia in the case of
the knot. New Zealand is not on a migration pathway for
waterfowl, although vagrant waterfowl from Australia
are occasionally encountered. Non-migratory waterfowl,
predominantly mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos),
are also sampled in the summer months throughout
New Zealand, with a particular focus on coastal areas
where they may have had contact with migratory
shorebirds, or where large numbers of young ducks
congregate.
Cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs are used for Influenza
A real-time RT-PCR TaqMan (5) . Individual bird samples
are pooled for testing. Positive or suspect pools are then
tested using H5 and H7 conventional RT-PCR, and H5-
positive pools are tested with an N1 PCR. H5 or H7-
positive pools and individual samples are subjected to
virus isolation (6) and sequencing.
In 2009, both oropharyngeal and cloacal samples were
collected from 148 migratory shorebirds and tested in
pools of three. All samples tested negative for Influenza A
by RT-PCR. Both cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs were
collected from 1256 healthy resident waterfowl (primarily
mallard ducks) at seven sites. Samples were tested in pools
of three. Influenza A RNA was detected in 16% of pools.
Two pools were RNA-positive for H5 subtype virus at
two sites. No H7 positive pools were detected. All H5-
RNA-positive samples and all isolates were examined.
The amino-acid pattern of the HA cleavage sites was
consistent with low-pathogenic H5 strains. No H5 viruses
were isolated this year, although two H4 subtype viruses
Number of
surveillance
positive samples*
Number of NAIpositive
farms*
4 644 0 0
Total 4 644 0 0
*As previously defined (2)
were isolated from H5-
RNA-positive samples
collected at Napier.
Results of wild bird
surveillance are
summarised in Table 2.
20
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

TABLE 2: ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE FOR AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUSES IN WILD BIRDS, 2009
Location
Number of birds
sampled and species
Number of pools
tested (cloacal and
oropharyngeal)
ENHANCED PASSIVE SURVEILLANCE
MAFBNZ operates a 24/7 toll-free exotic pest and disease
emergency hotline, and receives calls relating to sick
and dead wild and domestic birds from members of the
public, veterinarians, regional laboratory pathologists and
others.
A rapid field service is in place for sample collection
and submission of unexplained bird deaths (7) , using
MAF-approved suppliers. A standardised investigation
protocol, carried out at MAFBNZ’s Investigation
and Diagnostic Centre at Wallaceville, is applied to
submissions. The investigation protocol includes necropsy
and sample collection for histology, bacteriology and
virology. The presence of avian influenza is assessed using
Influenza A real-time RT-PCR TaqMan, with follow-up
using conventional RT-PCR assays to exclude H5 and H7
subtypes. Virus isolation is performed on samples that are
positive in PCR assays.
In addition to investigating individual calls when
required, MAFBNZ Incursion Investigators monitor
the dead bird reports received through the emergency
hotline. The data is analysed to detect unusual events
and any changes or trends in the reporting that may
indicate an emerging disease event requiring further
investigation (8) (Figure 1). Reports on avian disease
and mortality investigation are published quarterly in
Surveillance as part of the IDC report of suspect exotic
disease investigations. In 2009, seven such investigations
were conducted Table 3.
The aberration in the number of bird mortality reports
for August 2009 was due to a toxicity event relating to
Pools positive for H5 or
H7 RNA
Confirmed H5 or H7
isolates*
Miranda 148 shorebirds 100 0 0
Turua 201 mallard ducks 140 1 pool H5+ 0
Lorigan 75 mallard ducks 50 0 0
Napier 138 mallard ducks 92 1 pool H5+ 0
Lake Aniwhenua 69 mallard ducks 46 0 0
Kaituna 177 mallard ducks 118 0 0
Temuka 196 mallard ducks 128 0 0
Invercargill 243 mallard ducks 162 0 0
Total 1 256 736 2 0
*H5 and H7 subtypes are also analysed using molecular methods to determine pathogenicity. All detections to date have been of
low pathogenicity.
grey side-gilled sea slugs (Pleurobranchaea maculata)
in the Auckland region (9) . Poisoning was reported in
several dogs that had eaten the sea slugs, which were
subsequently discovered to contain tetrodotoxin. Reports
of other marine organism deaths in the Auckland area
increased during this period, owing to widespread media
publicity and the resulting public concern. All bird
mortality reports were of penguins, rather than other
bird species. The number of reports does not indicate the
number of separate mortality events, as multiple reports
of some individual events were received. Investigation
did not show evidence of an infectious cause for the
mortalities. The previously published report (9) provides
further details.
TABLE 3: AVIAN MORTALITY REPORTS AND
INVESTIGATIONS, 2009
Month Reports Investigations
January 2 1
February 1 1
March 4 0
April 2 0
May 1 1
June 0 0
July 2 1
August 131 1
September 1 1
October 2 0
November 4 0
December 1 1
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 21

80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
25/09/05
25/11/05
25/01/06
25/03/06
25/05/06
25/07/06
25/09/06
25/11/06
25/01/07
25/03/07
25/05/07
25/07/07
25/09/07
25/11/07
25/01/08
25/03/08
25/05/08
25/07/08
25/09/08
25/11/08
25/01/09
25/03/09
25/05/09
25/07/09
25/09/09
25/11/09
25/01/10
25/03/10
- - - Avg Last 7 Intervals
Cusum Flags: C1=Mild Sensitivity C2=Moderate Sensitivity C3=Ultra Sensitivity
=C1 =C1C3 =C2C3 =C3 =C1C2C3
Figure 1: Reports of dead birds to MAFBNZ emergency hotline, 2005–09
References
1 World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health
Code 17 th Edition. Chapter 10.4 Avian influenza. Paris, 2008.
2 Tana T, Rawdon T, Stanislawek W. Avian influenza surveillance
programme. Surveillance 34(2) 11–13, 2007.
3 Frazer J, Rawdon T, Stanislawek W. Avian influenza surveillance
programme. Surveillance 35(2), 14–16, 2008.
4 Frazer J, Rawdon T, Stanislawek W, McFadden A. Avian influenza
surveillance programme. Surveillance 36(2), 17–18, 2009.
5 Spackman E, Senne DA, Bulaga LL, Myers TJ, Perdue ML, Garber LP,
Lohman K, Daum LT, Suarez DL. Development of real-time RT-PCR for
the detection of avian influenza virus. Avian Diseases 47(Special issue),
1079–82, 2003.
6 Stanislawek WL, Wilks CR, Meers J, Horner GW, Alexander DJ,
Manvell RJ, Kattenbelt JA, Gould AR. Avian paramyxoviruses and
influenza viruses isolated from mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) in
New Zealand. Archives of Virology 147, 1287–302, 2002.
7 Rawdon T, McFadden A, Stanislawek W, Bingham P. Public reports of
avian mortality Part 1:
Risk profiling and investigation. Surveillance 34(3), 10–13, 2007.
8 McFadden A, Rawdon T, Bingham P, Loth L. Public reports of avian
mortality Part 2: Spatial and temporal trends. Surveillance 34(3), 14–7,
2007.
9 Bingham P. Quarterly report of investigations of suspected exotic
diseases. Surveillance 36(4), 21–27, 2009.
Jaimie Frazer
Incursion Investigator
Investigation and Diagnostic Centre – Wallaceville
Email: jaimie.frazer@maf.govt.nz
Thomas Rawdon
Incursion Investigator
Investigation and Diagnostic Centre – Wallaceville
Email: thomas.rawdon@maf.govt.nz
Wlodek Stanislawek
Veterinary Virologist
Investigation and Diagnostic Centre – Wallaceville
Email: wlodek.stanislawek@maf.govt.nz
Andrew McFadden
Incursion Investigator
Investigation and Diagnostic Centre – Wallaceville
Email: andrew.mcfadden@maf.govt.nz
22
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

Wildlife disease surveillance
WILDLIFE CASES PROCESSED BY VETERINARY
LABORATORIES
Records of wildlife mortality and morbidity are held
in the Huia database, which is jointly owned by the
Department of Conservation and Massey University
and maintained by the New Zealand Wildlife Health
Centre at the Institute of Veterinary, Animal and
Biological Sciences, Massey University. Most cases involve
indigenous birds, particularly threatened species. Figure 1
compares the number of avian cases with those involving
other types of wildlife over the period 2005–2009.
In 2009 avian cases made up 87% of submissions, with
amphibians (mainly Archey’s frogs, Leiopelma archeyi)
3%, reptiles 5%, marine mammals (mainly Hector’s
dolphins, Cephalorynchus hectori) 3%, and bats, other
wild mammals and fish 2%. The figures are similar
to those for previous years and show an emphasis on
disease surveillance in highly threatened species such as
yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes), black stilts
(Himantopus novaezelandiae) hihi/stitchbirds (Notiomystis
cincta) and the endangered species/subspecies of kiwi.
There was also an increased number of wild introduced
birds examined, reflecting an interest in the transmission
of diseases from introduced to native birds, such as
malaria, beak and feather disease and chlamydiosis.
The geographic distribution of wildlife cases in 2009
is shown in Figure 2. The highest number of cases
originated from the Manawatu/Wanganui region, which
includes Tongariro National Park and the Mt Bruce
National Wildlife Centre. The second-highest number of
submissions was from the Otago region, which contains
the highly endangered yellow-eyed penguin population of
coastal Otago. Many cases submitted from the Auckland
region were derived from endangered species on offshore
islands such as Tiritiri Matangi, Great Barrier and Little
Barrier Islands. Locally administered wildlife sanctuaries
such as those at Tawharanui, Cape Kidnappers and Karori
also contributed a significant number of cases.
Interesting cases encountered in 2009 included:
• An outbreak of congenital bill deformities in a
population of yellow-eyed penguins nesting on Okia
Beach, Otago Peninsula (1) . Eight nestlings in one
area developed severe bony abnormalities affecting
mainly the lower mandible, resulting in brachygnathia
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
2005
2006 2007 2008 2009
Year
Figure 1: Number of wildlife cases in birds and other taxonomic groups
recorded in the Huia database, 2005–2009.
Figure 2: Map of number of wildlife cases recorded in the Huia
database by region, 2009.
Avian
Other
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 23

inferior. The deformities were thought to be due to the
effect of an unidentified teratogen during embryonic
development.
• A common disease in budgerigars, avian gastric
yeast infection (formerly known as megabacteriosis)
caused by Macrorabdus ornithogaster, was seen for the
first time in a native parrot (2) . The bird was a yellowcrowned
kakariki (Cyanoramphus auriceps auriceps)
held captive with five other parakeets in a large aviary.
The bird had a history of chronic sinusitis but died
after a period of severe weight loss.
• Seven of 23 hihi/stitchbird nestlings which died
in a mainland island sanctuary had a ventriculitis
associated with penetration of barbed insect remnants
which were identified as the stinging apparatus of
hymenopterans (bees and wasps) (3) . The young chicks
had not yet developed a protective koilin layer in the
gizzard, so that even the stings of dead insects were
able to penetrate the mucosa and migrate through the
gizzard wall, which then became a site of secondary
bacterial and fungal infections.
• Two adult blue ducks (Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos)
which developed chronic infections died from severe
systemic amyloidosis. In one bird both the liver and
spleen had a mottled appearance and in the second,
the liver was severely enlarged, firm and mottled
with rounded margins. Histopathology of both birds
showed extensive amyloid deposition in the liver and
spleen, and in the second bird the kidney, thyroid
and adrenal glands were also affected. The first duck
had a chronic multifocal hepatitis and splenitis and
the second duck had tested positive for Yersinia sp.
several months earlier and lost weight but recovered.
In another case, systemic aspergillosis was found
to be the cause of death in two juvenile blue ducks,
suggesting that this species may have problems with
immune competence.
• Avian malaria caused by Plasmodium relictum is
thought to have been present in introduced birds
in New Zealand for many years, but there are few
reports of it causing mortalities. In February 2009, a
juvenile blackbird (Turdus merula) was found dead
on Mokoia Island in Lake Rotorua (4) . At post-mortem
examination the liver and spleen were found to be
enlarged and histology revealed large numbers of
protozoan organisms in endothelial cells within these
and other organs, including the heart and brain.
PCR analysis identified the protozoa as Plasmodium
relictum of a lineage that was slightly different from
those previously seen in this country.
• A mass mortality involving several hundred free-living
Malay spotted doves was seen over a three-month
period in an Auckland suburb. No gross lesions were
seen apart from an enlarged spleen, but histopathology
revealed a multifocal necrotising hepatitis, splenitis
and nephritis with numerous intracytoplasmic bodies
resembling Chlamydophilia spp. that were confirmed
as this organism using an antigen ELISA test on
frozen tissues. Because of the human health risk
of psittacosis, IDC’s Incursion Investigation Team
worked closely with the Manukau City Council and
the Auckland Medical Officer of Health to implement
mitigation measures aimed at raising public awareness,
improving hygiene and reducing the risk of infection.
15
10
5
0
Avian
Feral animal Aquatic Other
2007
2008
2009
Figure 3: Annual number of suspected unwanted disease
cases of wildlife investigated by IDC during 2007–2009, by
broad taxonomic groups.
24
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

WILDLIFE CASES NOTIFIED VIA THE MAF
0800 EXOTIC DISEASE HOTLINE
Numbers of wildlife cases notified to the Investigation
and Diagnostic Centre (IDC) in the 2007–2009 period
and classified as suspected “unwanted disease” are shown
in Figure 3 (opposite). As in previous years, the majority
of bird cases involved suspected avian influenza. Public
awareness and investigation of suspected avian influenza
cases has declined from a peak in 2006.
References
1 Buckle KN, Alley MR Ward JM. Skeletal lesions in yellow-eyed penguin
chicks Megadyptes antipodes, on the Otago Peninsula. Kokako 16(1),
37–39, 2009.
2 Alley MR. Avian gastric yeast, Macrorabdus ornithogaster, infection in
a yellow-crowned kakariki, Cyanoramphus auriceps auriceps. Kokako
16(2), 57, 2009.
3 Alley, MR, Rippon R, Castro I. Candida ventriculitis in neonatal hihi
chicks Notiomystis cincta. Kokako 16(1), 36, 2009.
4 Schoener ER, Alley MR, Howe L, Castro I. Plasmodium relictum
identified as a cause of mortality in a blackbird, Turdus merula, from
Mokoia Island. Kokako 16(1), 39–40, 2009.
5 Rawdon TG, Potter JS, Harvey CJ, Westera BF. Chlamydiosis
(Psittacosis) in Malay spotted doves Streptopelia chinesis. Kokako 16
(2), 54–56, 2009.
Maurice Alley
Wildlife Pathologist
New Zealand Wildlife Health Centre
Massey University
Email: M.R.Alley@massey.ac.nz
SURVEILLANCE FOR EXOTIC DISEASES OF HONEY BEES
The report summarising the surveillance activities for exotic diseases
of honey bees for the year from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010 will
appear in a later edition of Surveillance.
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 25

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) surveillance programme
New Zealand is free from bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE), classical scrapie of sheep and
goats, and chronic wasting disease of deer (CWD).
However, in October 2009 MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
(MAFBNZ) announced the finding of the first confirmed
case of atypical scrapie/Nor98 in a New Zealand-born
sheep (1) . This change in status, although not entirely
unexpected (2) , has still required work to clarify the
relationship between classical and atypical scrapie.
MAFBNZ strongly supports the view of OIE that atypical
scrapie is “clinically, pathologically, biochemically and
epidemiologically unrelated to “classical” scrapie, may
not be contagious and may, in fact, be a spontaneous
degenerative condition of older sheep” (3) .
The TSE risk management measures implemented in
New Zealand have been well described in previous annual
reports (4) . This report will not discuss these aspects
further.
The major event in 2009 in New Zealand with respect to
the TSE programme was the detection of a case of atypical
scrapie/Nor98 in a sheep brain exported to Europe as
part of a consignment of brains for use as test validation
materials (1) . This was from an adult ewe slaughtered at
a commercial meat processing premises. The diagnosis
of atypical scrapie/Nor98 was confirmed and classical
scrapie ruled out by both the MAFBNZ Animal Health
Laboratory (Wallaceville) and the OIE reference
laboratory (VLA Weybridge).
The New Zealand CWD surveillance programme has
been running for many years. Review of the programme
highlighted opportunities to improve efficiency and
effectiveness. Rapid tests for detection of CWD during
large-scale surveillance activities in North America have
been reviewed (5,6,7) . In a comparison of five different rapid
tests on mule deer, white-tailed deer and Rocky Mountain
elk it was concluded that the Bio-Rad ELISA was the most
suitable for the surveillance programme in the USA (8) .
The Bio-Rad ELISA is USDA-licensed for retropharyngeal
lymph nodes in the abovementioned species (9) . In
Germany, surveillance for CWD in roe deer, red deer and
fallow deer has been carried out using both lymph node
and brain samples collected from wild animals (10) .
Because of the close genetic relationship between
Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) and red
deer (Cervus elaphus elaphus), it is very likely that the
abnormal prion protein distribution in both species
will be similar (9). . Red deer and hybrids are the most
common deer in New Zealand and consequently it is
expected that retropharyngeal lymphoid tissue can be
1 400 000
1 200 000
Cumulative
1 000 000
Points
800 000
600 000
400 000
200 000
From July
2005
2006 2007 2008
Years
Up to March
2009
Figure 1: BSE surveillance points gained per year and accumulated over consecutive years, New Zealand,
July 2005 to March 2009
26
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

TABLE 1: NUMBER OF BRAINS FROM ELIGIBLE ANIMALS SCREENED
FOR A TSE IN 2009
Species
Number of
brains examined
Number of
brains sent to
reference lab
Number of brains
positive
Cattle 99 0 0
Deer 134 0 0
Goats 0 0 0
Sheep 26 2 1 – atypical
scrapie
This level of testing earned 35 715 surveillance points for BSE in
accordance with Chapter 11.6 of the 2009 OIE Terrestrial Animal
Heath Code.
used with confidence for surveillance. Until now there
has been no comparative work in New Zealand to identify
the issues that need to be overcome to implement a
lymphoid-tissue-based surveillance stream in addition
to the neural-tissue-based surveillance stream. As part
of the evaluation of retropharyngeal lymphoid tissue for
CWD surveillance in New Zealand, 107 paired brains
and medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes (MRLN) were
collected from culled normal adult (>2 years) deer sent to
slaughter at a commercial meat processing plant. Samples
of brainstem collected at the level of the obex and of the
MRLN were tested at the Investigation and Diagnosis
Centre, Wallaceville, using the Bio-Rad ELISA. All
samples tested negative.
The BSE surveillance programme is a mature surveillance
programme. BSE points have been accumulated
since 2005 (Figure 1). New Zealand has consistently
maintained well in excess of the necessary 150 000 points
required for type B surveillance as specified by chapter
11.6 of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
During 2009, 99 cattle were screened for BSE using
histology and western immunoblot assay. In addition,
26 sheep and 27 deer were screened using histology or, if
they were imported animals, western immunoblot (cattle)
or Bio-Rad ELISA (sheep, goats, deer). A further 107
deer were screened with the Bio-Rad ELISA as part of a
project to evaluate lymphoid tissue for CWD surveillance.
Another 250 cattle brains were tested with the Prionics
western immunoblot, and 250 sheep brains in the Bio-
Rad ELISA, before sending them to Europe as negative
control material. All the results were negative. The BSE
testing generated 35 715 BSE points (Table 1).
This surveillance programme is ongoing and will continue
to be refined as needed to incorporate new knowledge,
tests, standards and market access needs.
References
1 Kittelberger R, McIntyre LH (2009). A case of atypical scrapie / Nor98
in a sheep from New Zealand. Surveillance 36(4), 6–10
2 McIntyre L (2007). New Zealand’s contribution to explaining the
pathogenesis of atypical scrapie. Surveillance 34(4), 9–10
3 OIE (2009). Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
http://www.oie.int/eng/normes/mcode/en_chapitre_1.14.9.htm Accessed
28 April 2010
4 McIntyre L (2009). TSE surveillance programme. Surveillance, 36(2),
21–22,
5 Bourne D. Chronic wasting disease review. SEAC, 2004. http://www.
seac.gov.uk/papers/cwdiseaseannex1.pdf
6 Williams ES. Chronic wasting disease. Vet. Pathol. 42, 530–49, 2005.
http://www.vetpathology.org/cgi/reprint/42/5/530.pdf
7 Wright B, Tapscott B. Chronic Wasting Disease Update. Factsheet,
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Canada, 2007.
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/alternat/facts/07-025.htm
8 Hibler C P, Wilson KL, Spraker TR, Miller MW, Zink RR, DeBuse LL,
Andersen E, Schweitzer D, Kennedy JA, Baeten LA, Smeltzer JF, Salman
MD, Powers BE. Field validation and assessment of an enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay for detecting chronic wasting disease in mule
deer (Odocoileus emionus), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus),
and Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni). Journal of Veterinary
Diagnostic Investigation 15, 311–19, 2003.
9 Anonymous. Report of the EFSA working group on a surveillance
program for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the EU. EFSA, 2004.
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/cs/BlobServer/Scientific_Opinion/opinion_
biohaz12_ch_wast_dis_ef70_report_en1.pdf?ssbinary=true
10 Schettler E, Steinbach F, Eschenbacher-Kaps I, Gerst K, Meussdoerffer
F, Risch K, Streich WJ, Frölich K. Surveillance for prion disease in
cervids, Germany. Emerging Infectious Diseases 12, 319–22, 2006.
Lachlan McIntyre
Senior Advisor Surveillance
Post Border Group
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
Email: lachlan.mcintyre@maf.govt.nz
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 27

REPORTS FROM NATIONAL PEST
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Bovine tuberculosis
Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of bovine
tuberculosis, is a notifiable organism under the
Biosecurity (National Bovine Tuberculosis Pest
Management Strategy) Order 1998.
TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE
At 30 June 2009, 121 cattle herds (0.17%) were classified
as infected with bovine tuberculosis. During the
preceding 12 months, 116 infected herds (64%) were
cleared of infection and 107 new herds (0.15%) were
identified as infected. The 12-month infected-herd period
prevalence to 30 June 2009 was 0.34%.
During the 12 months to the end of June 2009,
4.98 million cattle (3.27 million dairy cattle and 1.71
million beef cattle) were tested with the intradermal
caudal fold tuberculin test (CFT). Of these, 196 skin-testpositive
animals were identified and slaughtered.
An additional 6350 cattle that were considered to be nonspecific
CFT-test-positive animals were given an ancillary
serial test (gamma interferon [Bovigam TM ]). There were
397 reactors (6.3%) to these ancillary serial tests and they
were all slaughtered. Ancillary parallel testing (Gamma
Interferon) was undertaken on 41 228 caudal fold testnegative
cattle from infected herds. There were 393
reactors to the parallel tests and they were all slaughtered.
In all, 986 reactor cattle (two per 10 000 cattle tested) were
slaughtered, of which 335 (34%) either had visible lesions
of tuberculosis, or M. bovis was cultured from samples
taken.
A further 158 tuberculous cattle (6.5 per 100 000
cattle slaughtered) were detected during routine meat
inspection of the 2.44 million cattle sent for slaughter
during the previous 12 months.
The 12-month period prevalence of tuberculosis in
cattle (335 tuberculous reactors and 158 infected cattle
found during routine slaughter) for the 2008/09 season
was 5.1 per 100 000 cattle (base cattle population = 9.6
million).
TUBERCULOSIS IN DEER
At 30 June 2009, 10 deer herds (0.25%) were classified
as infected with tuberculosis. During the preceding
This issue of Surveillance contains annual reports
that cover the 2009 calendar year. This does not
match with the reporting period for the Animal
Health Board’s National Pest Management Strategy
(NPMS) for bovine tuberculosis (1 July-30 June).
In future the annual report on the AHB’s NPMS for
bovine tuberculosis will appear in the December
edition each year.
12 months, 13 infected herds (68%) were cleared of
infection and 6 new herds (0.15%) were identified as
infected. The 12-month infected-herd period prevalence
to 30 June 2009 was 0.5%.
During the 12 months to the end of June 2009, 390 730
deer were tested with the mid-cervical intradermal
tuberculin test (MCT). Of these, 151 test-positive deer
were identified and slaughtered.
An additional 2953 deer that were considered to be
non-specific MCT-test-positive were given an ancillary
test with either the comparative cervical test (CCT), or
IgG1 ELISA Test (ETB and Modified ETB © ). There were
377 reactors (13%) to these ancillary tests and these were
all slaughtered. Ancillary parallel testing (IgG ELISA
test) was undertaken on 782 MCT-negative deer from
infected herds. There were 38 reactors and they were all
slaughtered.
In total, 566 reactor deer (14.5 per 10 000 deer tested)
were slaughtered, of which five (0.9%) had visible
tuberculous lesions.
A further 16 tuberculous deer (

PREVALENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS
The point prevalence of infected cattle and deer herds
at 30 June 2009 was 0.18% and the 12-month period
prevalence for 2008–09 was 0.35%.
TUBERCULOSIS IN WILDLIFE
Tuberculous possums and occasionally other wildlife
species (pigs, deer, cats, ferrets, stoats, hedgehogs and
hares) have been identified in 24 separate areas of
New Zealand in association with persistent infection
in cattle and deer herds. These are known as Vector
Risk Areas (VRAs). Possums (Trichosurus vulpecula)
are considered to be a tuberculosis maintenance host
and the main wildlife vector for cattle and farmed deer,
but there are a number of VRAs where ferrets (Mustela
furo) are regarded as an important vector. Tuberculosis
has subsequently been eradicated from both wild and
domestic animals in 10 small VRAs, leaving 14 VRAs
where tuberculous wild animals remain a source of
infection for cattle and farmed deer.
The 14 current VRAs cover about 38% of New Zealand’s
land area. In the 2008–09 season these VRAs held 68% of
infected cattle herds and 100% of deer herds, with 77% of
all tuberculous cattle and deer.
The balance of New Zealand is classified as Vector Free
Areas (VFAs). These account for 62% of New Zealand’s
land area and in 2008–09 contained 32% of infected cattle
herds. The proportion of infected herds located in the
VFA is a significant increase on previous years (e.g. up
from 15% in 2007–08). The increase in both the number
and proportion of infected herds in VFAs is largely a
result of undetected infected animal movements, as well
as new outbreaks in previously infected herds. There are
two locations within the VFAs where infected herds are
clustered. Wild animal surveys are being undertaken
in these areas to determine whether tuberculous wild
animals may be the source of the infection identified in
these herds.
ANIMAL HEALTH BOARD
As a result of acceptance by stakeholders and
the government of its proposed National Pest
Management Strategy (NPMS) for controlling bovine
tuberculosis, the Animal Health Board (AHB) became
the Pest Management Agency for the control of
bovine tuberculosis under the Biosecurity Act 1993.
Implementation of the NPMS began in 1996–97, with
an expansion of the vector control programme as well
as more stringent policies to restrict spread caused by
moving infected cattle and deer. Expansion of the vector
control programme has largely been responsible for the
92% reduction in the number of infected cattle and deer
herds over the period 1994–2009. In 2008–09, possums
were controlled over 3.7 million ha of land, with a
cumulative area under vector control of 8.85 million ha
(33% of New Zealand’s land area).
For cattle, 2008–09 was the fifteenth year in succession
that the number of infected herds has declined, reversing
an upward trend that had persisted during the period
1980–94. This downward trend appears to be continuing.
Similarly, the number of infected deer herds has
continually declined since 1992–93.
The Animal Health Board’s new National Pest
Management Strategy (NPMS) for TB control was
introduced in October 2004, though funding for vector
control had been increased in 2001–02. The principal
objective of the new NPMS is to reduce infected cattle
and deer herds to a 12-month period prevalence of 0.2%
by 2012–13, and the AHB expects to meet that target. The
annual infected cattle and deer herd period prevalence for
2008–09 was 0.35%.
In December 2005, when AHB’s strategy was externally
reviewed it was recognised that the strategy objective
of 0.2% infected herds was causing vector control
inefficiencies. The reviewers suggested that the Board
might want to review its strategy before 2013. The AHB
took note and during 2007–09 developed a number
of future strategy options and discussed these with
stakeholders. As a result, in May 2009 agreement was
reached with stakeholders as to the future disease control
objectives and funding. The proposed strategy will see
a change in emphasis from reducing/maintaining the
period prevalence level below 0.2%, to seeking to prove
the feasibility of eradicating tuberculosis from wildlife
over large areas of land, including large tracts of heavily
forested and difficult terrain. In September 2009, the
Minister of Agriculture notified AHB’s proposal to amend
the National Pest Management Strategy and requested
submissions on it.
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 29

The primary objectives of the amended strategy are:
(a)
To establish the feasibility of eradication of endemic
TB from wildlife populations across a representative
range of New Zealand terrains, by achieving:
(i) Eradication of TB from vector populations in
two extensive forest areas representing relatively
difficult operational terrain containing vector
infection.
(ii) Continued freedom from wildlife infection in
areas where TB is considered to have been
eradicated from wildlife populations.
(b) By June 2025, to have eradicated TB from wild
animal populations from at least 2.5 million hectares
of tuberculosis Vector Risk Areas, including areas in
(a) (i) above, with consequent reclassification of this
land as TB Vector Free Area.
(c)
Prevent the establishment of TB in possum
populations in Vector Free Areas during the term of
the proposed strategy.
The secondary objective is to maintain the national
annual TB infected herd period prevalence at the lowest
possible level while achieving the primary objectives,
and at no greater than 0.4% throughout the term of the
strategy.
Submissions on the proposed amended strategy closed at
the end of November 2009. The Minister has subsequently
received submissions on the strategy and is evaluating
whether these necessitate the establishment of a Board of
Inquiry.
RESEARCH
AHB contracts research in four main areas:
• vaccines, immunology and alternative diagnostic tests;
• toxin-related research;
• epidemiology and ecology of tuberculosis in wildlife;
• new baits, traps, methods of application and
monitoring.
Some research highlights from the last 12 months are
summarised below.
Immunology, vaccines and alternative diagnostic tests
The tuberculin skin test in deer has a relatively low
specificity and it is advantageous to retest skintest-positive
animals with an ancillary test to avoid
slaughtering false-positive responders. The use of the ETB
test has markedly reduced the slaughter of false-positive
responders, but in some circumstances it also lacks
specificity.
Recently, the CervidTB STAT-PAK test developed by
Chembio Diagnostic Systems was evaluated in deer and
although the test had high sensitivity, its specificity was
low when testing sera from deer infected with Johne’s
disease. Chembio Diagnostics Systems have recently
developed a modification to their CervidTB STAT-PAK
test as well as a new test, DPP VetTB, which has the
potential to enhance test specificity. Both of these tests can
be undertaken on the farm and results can be read after
20 minutes. A further project was then undertaken to
evaluate these and the ETB tests in both TB-infected and
Johne’s-infected deer, and deer that had been vaccinated
against Johne’s disease.
The modified CervidTB STAT-PAK test and DPP VetTB
test were significantly more sensitive than the ETB tests.
In contrast, the specificity was greater for the DPP VetTB
test and the ETB tests. Considering both sensitivity and
specificity of the tests, the DPP VetTB test had the highest
overall accuracy. For testing animals suspected of being
infected with Johne’s disease, the DPP VetTB and ETB
tests would be most suitable. However, if there was a
requirement to differentiate between Johne’s-vaccinated
and TB-infected animals, the modified CervidTB STAT-
PAK test and DPP VetTB tests would be the most reliable.
It needs to be noted that neither the Cervid TB STAT-
PAK test nor the DPP VetTB test have been approved by
MAF for use in AHB’s TB control programme.
Toxins
Research was undertaken to evaluate the uptake and
persistence of sodium fluoroacetate (1080) in two
commonly harvested food plants of cultural importance
to Māori: puha (Sonchus spp.) and watercress (Nasturtium
officinale), using simulated aerial application of 1080
cereal baits. Very low concentrations of 1080 were
30
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

observed in 59 of the 60 puha samples, including samples
taken prior to the application of toxic baits. This indicates
that 1080 may occur naturally in puha. It was only
detected in three of the 56 treatment watercress samples.
The highest 1080 concentration seen in watercress was
63 ppb, from a single sample on day 7. At this level, a
70 kg person would have to consume 2.2 tonnes of plant
material to receive an LD 50
(50% chance of getting a lethal
dose). Beyond day 7, any 1080 present was below the
detection limit of 0.1 ppb.
Efficacy data in possums was established for a new red
blood cell toxicant (microencapsulated sodium nitrite).
No-choice and choice testing was conducted with
several different formulations. A polymer-enteric-coated
formulation was shown to be the most effective and was
nearly as palatable as non-toxic bait. This formulation
killed most possums presented with the bait in about
90 minutes and has been progressed for testing in field
trials.
Epidemiology, ecology and modelling
A four-year project aimed at achieving local elimination
of possums has identified that in aerial 1080 poisoning
operations, possums that survive do so mainly because
they do not find and eat a lethal dose of toxin but eat
sufficient to temporarily affect their appetite and search
motivation. The main cause of poisoning failure is
therefore not one of bait acceptance, gaps in coverage or
availability of bait. Rather, it appears to be associated with
possum foraging behaviour and bait fragmentation.
Pre-feeding helps overcome these problems by producing
a sustained willingness of possums to eat bait they
encounter, and trains them to search for bait on the
ground. It is thought that possums quickly learn that
when they encounter a single bait they are likely to be
able to find another one nearby. With broadcast bait
distribution, over-baiting is necessary to ensure that
possums find and ingest sufficient bait to get a lethal dose
of 1080 before the effects of the toxin reduce their appetite
and searching ability. When helicopter flight paths are
100 metres apart, a sowing rate of about 2 kg of toxic
bait/ha is required to ensure all possums will encounter
sufficient bait to receive a lethal dose. In contrast, sowing
baits in strips or clusters greatly reduces the amount of
bait needed (both for pre-feeding and toxic applications).
Because clustered pre-feeding increases possum use of
those areas, sowing both the pre-feed and toxic bait in the
same areas can increase poisoning effectiveness.
It proved difficult to kill all possums using broadcast 1080
at two particular sites – Whirinaki and Mokaihaha. In
these areas both possum and rat numbers were high, and
because tawa fruit were abundant, it was considered that
possums were not searching for food on the ground. High
abundance of competitors and alternative food sources
should therefore be treated as potential risk factors in
aerial 1080 operations using low sowing rates.
New control tools, methods of application and monitoring
A project was undertaken to develop a low-cost detection
device for mapping the distribution of possums (and
other small mammals) surviving control operations. This
was achieved by refining a new detection device (the
chew-track card) to maximise its sensitivity to possums
and systematically mapping the distribution of surviving
possum foci following a large-scale control operation to
determine whether chew-track cards can reliably and
cost-effectively detect all surviving possums. Chew-track
cards detected an estimated 80–93% of possums present
during the field trial and are therefore recommended as
an efficient tool for mapping the distribution of possums
surviving control.
Research assessed the efficacy of long-life meat baits
containing the toxin “C+C” for control of wild ferrets.
From field trials undertaken at two different sites, the
kill was calculated to be between 83 and 100%. The
hazard from residues in carcasses was measured as low to
moderate, and potential exposure to ferret carcasses was
considered to be low as most of the ferrets died where
they were inaccessible to scavengers (i.e. down rabbit
burrows). The overall risk of secondary poisoning from
using this bait is therefore considered to be low.
Paul G Livingstone
Technical Manager
Animal Health Board
Email: livingstonep@ahb.org.nz
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 31

American foulbrood
American foulbrood (AFB) is caused by the bacterium
Paenibacillus larvae larvae. This disease of honey bees
has been regulated by an Apiaries Act since 1907. In
October 1998 responsibility for managing AFB to
reduce the reported incidence of the disease, passed to
the National Beekeepers’ Association (NBA). The NBA
developed a Pest Management Strategy (PMS) and
became the management agency for that strategy. The
PMS retained many of the provisions from the previous
Apiaries Act 1969 plus some new ones. More information
can be found at www.afb.org.nz and www.nba.org.nz. Key
features of the PMS are:
• Each locality where bees are kept is defined as an
individual apiary. Every such apiary must be registered
and inspected annually by an approved beekeeper,
who must also report on the disease status of the hives.
• Any case of AFB must be reported within seven days
to the management agency.
• To become approved, beekeepers must first pass a
competency test on AFB recognition and control
and then submit a hive management and AFB
management plan to the management agency or their
contractor, AsureQuality Ltd. This is called a Disease
Elimination Conformity Agreement (DECA).
• Beekeepers must submit samples of bees and/or honey
for AFB testing on request.
• All hives with AFB symptoms must be destroyed,
although some equipment may be sterilised by heating
in paraffin wax at 160 o C for at least 10 minutes.
• Antibiotics cannot be used to control AFB in
New Zealand.
• The AFB Strategy is funded by an apiary levy under
the Biosecurity Act 1993. All beekeepers are required
to contribute through a base fee of $20 plus $11 per
apiary (+GST). Beekeepers with fewer than four
apiaries and fewer than 11 hives pay the base fee
plus one apiary fee. Those above the thresholds are
levied a base fee plus $11 for each apiary registered on
31 March, the date the levy is assessed each year.
HIVE INSPECTION AND AUDIT PROGRAMME
TO 31 MAY 2009
AsureQuality Ltd collates beekeeping and AFB disease
statistics to 31 May each year for the management agency,
which encompasses a full beekeeping season. Between
1 June 2008 and 31 May 2009 a total of 980 hives infected
with AFB were found by beekeepers and/or AsureQuality
staff, in 552 apiaries. This is an average infection level of
0.27% of hives and 2.6% of apiaries. Corresponding figures
for 2007–08 were 1117 hives (0.32%) and 557 apiaries
(2.7%).
As of 31 May 2009 there were 1573 beekeepers with
DECAs and a Certificate of Inspection Exemption
(59% of beekeepers). These beekeepers are permitted to
inspect their own hives for AFB and make reports to the
management agency on the authorised forms. During
the reporting period 428 DECAs were revoked and 51
were voluntarily surrendered, owing to non-compliance
with section 1.10 of the DECA agreement, under which
beekeepers agree to pass an AFB competency exam.
A further 107 DECA holders (6.8%) were given until
31 August 2009 to sit the AFB competency exam. Since
September 2008 beekeepers have been required to pass the
AFB competency exam prior to applying for a DECA.
APIARY REGISTER AND STATISTICS
There were 2663 beekeepers, 21 593 apiaries and 365 709
hives as of 30 May 2009. This compares with 2589
beekeepers owning 20 439 apiaries and 343 155 hives in
2008. While the number of apiaries and hives has been
trending upwards over the past few years, this is the
first period since the discovery of varroa in Auckland in
April 2000 during which the number of beekeepers has
increased. The increase in apiaries and hives in recent
years has been driven by commercial beekeepers entering
the industry or by established beekeepers increasing their
hive holdings. The prices paid for both manuka honey and
pollination have lead to this increased level of optimism
within the industry.
Before the varroa outbreak there were 4914 beekeepers,
21 793 apiaries and 302 988 hives. Varroa was confirmed
in Canterbury in September 2008 and subsequently all
regulated controls on the movement of beehives, bees and
some bee products were lifted from 25 September 2008.
Murray Reid
National Manager Apiculture, AsureQuality Ltd, Hamilton
Email: reidm@asurequality.com
32
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

REPORTS FROM INDUSTRY SURVEILLANCE
AND DISEASE CONTROL PROGRAMMES
New Zealand dairy enzootic bovine
leukosis (EBL) control scheme
The DairyNZ-funded EBL control scheme administered
by Livestock Improvement has eliminated EBL from the
national dairy herd. No EBL reactors were detected in
New Zealand dairy herds during the 2009–10 season
and thus the annual period prevalence since April 2008
any regulatory controls. In the late 1990s well over 1000
herds were infected with EBL 2 . The use of ELISA testing
of herd-test milk samples together with individual (as
well as herd) EBL status recording on the LIC National
Dairy Database enabled efficient screening and tracking
processes resulting in the removal of EBL from the
national dairy herd.
SUMMARY OF EBL STATUS AND POINT PREVALENCES, APRIL 2006–2010
April 2010
NZ dairy herd EBL status n Percentage of
national herd
April 2009 April 2008 April 2007 April 2006
EBL-positive herds* 0 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.01% 0.02%
Annual period prevalence 0 0.00% 0.00%

EBL control scheme activities have essentially been
restricted to the dairy industry so it is prudent to
maintain surveillance to detect low levels of disease in
case of possible incursions or recrudescence. The OIE
proposes sampling a sufficient number of herds annually
to ensure that a 0.2% herd prevalence would be detected
with 99% confidence 6 . To achieve this, at least 3500 herds
need to be tested annually (based on a conservative vat
screen test sensitivity estimate of 50%) 7 . Currently more
than 5500 herds – more than 50% of all NZ dairy herds –
are screened for EBL every year.
References
1 Hayes DP, Burton LJ. Enzootic bovine leucosis eradication scheme.
Surveillance 25(4), 3–5, 1998.
2 LIC. Enzootic bovine leucosis (EBL) control scheme. New Zealand Dairy
Statistics 1998/99, 43, 1999.
http://www.lic.co.nz/pdf/dairy_stats/6_disease_control.pdf
3 Voges H. New Zealand Dairy Herd Enzootic Bovine Leucosis Control.
Proceedings of the Epidemiology, Food Safety, Animal Welfare &
Biosecurity Branches and FAVA, 215–32, 2006.
4 www.biosecurity.govt.nz/publications/surveillance/index.htm
5 www.lic.co.nz/lic_Publications.cfm
6 OIE. Enzootic Bovine Leukosis. Terrestrial Animal Health Code,
11.10.2, 2008.
www.oie.int/eng/normes/mcode/en_chapitre_1.11.10.pdf
7 Voges H. Monitoring herd EBL-freedom using bulk-milk samples: An
efficient tool for herds of all sizes. Proceedings of the Epidemiology,
Food Safety, Animal Welfare & Biosecurity Branches and FAVA, 97–105,
2006.
Brucella ovis accreditation scheme
Numbers of animals tested in 2009 were 4% up on the
previous year. The overall infection rate (test reactor
samples/samples tested) was 3.3%. As in previous
years, this figure includes animals from a large number
of commercial properties as well as flocks previously
accredited (ram-breeder flocks and some commercial
flocks). The infection rate for ram-breeder flocks is
significantly lower, but data is limited since relevant
information is not always provided by submitters on
laboratory submission forms.
BRUCELLA OVIS TESTING AND ERADICATION
Area Infected flocks* Flocks with
eradication in
progress
Far North & Auckland 11 2
Waikato, Waitomo & BOP 18 6
Taranaki & Whanganui 15 2
East Coast 32 11
Hawke’s Bay 11 1
Manawatu & Rangitikei 9 4
Wairarapa & Wellington 12 4
Marlborough & Canterbury 14 8
* Infected flocks are those that have had B. ovis reactors identified.
A trend towards not re-testing infected flocks was noted
during the year. This is suggested in the table (above)
through a difference between numbers of flocks testing
positive and numbers progressing towards eradication.
Some of the above flocks, especially where there are
only one or two reactors, have had subsequent testing
performed on the reactor samples, e.g. ELISA and/or gel
diffusion, and their owners have opted not to re-test on
the basis of results obtained. Some of the other reactor
flocks tested have had high infection rates.
Gail Ross
Gribbles Veterinary Pathology
Palmerston North
Email: gail.ross@gribbles.co.nz
34
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

Infectious bursal disease eradication
programme
In 1993, a low-virulence strain of infectious bursal
disease (IBD) was identified in commercial poultry in
New Zealand. As a result, in 1994 an industry-funded
and supervised IBD eradication programme was put
into place. Both active and passive surveillance are
an important part of the programme, with passive
surveillance taking place both on farm and in processing
plants. No cases of IBD have been confirmed in
commercial poultry since 1999.
During 2009, the two private poultry laboratories
screened a total of 11 628 blood samples collected under
the whole-flock testing programme. Samples were
screened using the IDEXX FlockChek ® ELISA. Twentyfour
sera positive to the ELISA from 14 flocks were
forwarded to MAF’s Investigation and Diagnostic Centre
(IDC) for virus neutralisation testing (VNT). Results of
VNT ranged from

QUARTERLY REVIEW OF DIAGNOSTIC CASES
– JANUARY TO MARCH 2010
New Zealand Veterinary Pathology
CATTLE
In autumn there are frequently cases of
polioencephalomalacia in young cattle. In Canterbury
three of a mob of 24 six-month-old Friesian bull calves
died and were found in lateral recumbency with the neck
extended. They had been grazing lucerne pasture and
had access to salt blocks. In the Waikato, three rising
one-year-old Friesian heifers on a grazing property
also died. Brains from the affected animals had typical
gross lesions including multifocal malacia (softening)
of the outer cerebral cortex and auto-fluorescence of
the malacic areas under Wood’s lamp UV illumination.
The brains also displayed the classic microscopic
lesions of cerebral cortical necrosis. The pathogenesis
of polioencephalomalacia is most commonly thiamine
deficiency, which is thought to be induced by changes in
rumen microflora, since the condition is often associated
with a change of feed or rumen acidosis. Lead poisoning
and excess dietary sulphur also can result in cerebral
cortical necrosis.
The major mastitis pathogens in New Zealand are
Staphyloccus aureus and Streptococcus uberis, though
minor environmental pathogens are less commonly
involved. From time to time a more unusual cause
of mastitis is diagnosed. A 14-year-old dairy cow
in Marlborough had clinical mastitis refractory to
treatment with an intramammary preparation containing
cloxacillin. Milk culture isolated Nocardia sp. Therapy
with a parenteral preparation containing lincomycin
and neomycin was initiated, but there was no clinical
improvement. Nocardia sp. organisms were cultured
again from a milk specimen submitted 16 days later.
Another unusual isolate from a clinical mastitis case was
Pasteurella multocida, found in a case from Otago.
Yersiniosis is a common diagnosis in older calves in late
summer/early autumn. The typical presentation is one of
ill thrift and diarrhoea, with poor-quality hair coat and
weight loss. Frequently multiple animals within a mob
are affected, and there may be concurrent disease present
such as intestinal parasitism or trace-element deficiency.
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis was identified in faeces
from calves on a number of properties, particularly in the
Waikato.
Recently an autumn-calving herd of 170 Hereford cows in
the King Country lost 25 calves ranging from newborn to
two weeks old. The calves lost were mainly in the firstcalving
mob of heifers, but some bought-in females also
lost calves. The presentation was similar to a case caused
by Leptospira serovar Pomona on another farm the
previous year. Samples were taken from five females that
had lost calves, and five in-calf herdmates, for Leptospira
serovar Pomona microagglutination (MAT) testing. Of
the five females that had lost calves, three had positive
L. pomona titres (two ≥1/1600 and one 1/200) and two
were negative. The five in-calf herdmates had negative
L. pomona titres (

On physical examination, the two most severely affected
animals had very low body-condition scores (2.5/9), and
were mildly dehydrated. Both animals were standing
head-down and one had an audible inspiratory grunt.
The heart rate and respiratory rate were elevated in
both animals. Routine blood biochemistry revealed no
significant abnormalities. A faecal Baermann preparation
to check for the presence of Dictyocaulus viviparous
L1 larvae found one animal had 119 larvae per gram of
faeces, while the other had 41 larvae per gram. Such high
numbers indicate a heavy lungworm burden.
An aborted calf foetus was submitted from the Bay of
Plenty as part of routine investigations into sporadic
abortions on a dairy property. Gross findings were
unremarkable, but histology revealed the presence of
necrotising placentitis and the lumen of renal tubules
contained numerous oxalate crystals. Foetal renal tubular
oxalosis is not known in New Zealand, but has been
reported in other countries including Canada. Increased
levels of oxalates in the feed may contribute. The renal
tubular oxalosis may not necessarily have contributed to
the abortion in this case.
Three cows on a property in Otago died overnight and the
manager reported they appeared bloated. Subsequently
another two animals died suddenly. One was necropsied
in the field by the submitting veterinarian. The animals
were being fed diluted molasses in the water trough.
Post-mortem findings included fluid gut contents and
gaseous distension of the gut and intestine. Histology
revealed numerous multifocal microabcesses in the liver,
consistent with showering of septic emboli via the portal
circulation. A specimen of rumen was not made available
for histologic examination, but hepatic abscesses are a
common sequel to rumenitis caused by carbohydrate
overload or rumenal acidosis.
Two six-month-old dairy calves in the Bay of Plenty
presented with a history of ill thrift. The calves had been
treated with timed-release elemental zinc boluses to
prevent facial eczema. Faecal zinc levels were 650 and
560 mg/kg, well above the suggested therapeutic range
of 140–210. Serum zinc levels for these two animals were
250 and 220 umol/L. Typically zinc therapy for facial
eczema prevention will raise serum zinc concentrations
up to about 35 umol/L. The serum zinc levels in these
calves are consistent with zinc toxicosis.
HORSES
A four-week-old foal in the Auckland region had severe
diarrhoea, but was bright and had a normal temperature.
Two other foals on the same property exhibited
similar clinical signs. Faecal cultures for Salmonella,
Campylobacter, and Rhodococcus cultures were negative
but a faecal egg count revealed 300 Strongyloides westeri
eggs per gram. On horse-breeding properties with a high
stocking density foals can be affected by heavy burdens
of developing S. westeri larvae. Because the larvae are not
producing eggs, the clinical signs can be more severe than
the faecal egg count would suggest.
Strangles caused by Streptococcus equi ssp. equi
continued to be a problem in the Waikato and Auckland
regions this year, with several 2009 foals on different
properties presenting with enlarged submandibular lymph
nodes and a mucopurulent nasal discharge. Some animals
were also febrile. S. equi ssp. equi was isolated from nasal
discharge or discharge from lymph nodes in each case.
SHEEP
Nine approximately six-month-old lambs from the
Waikato region were doing poorly and exhibited mild
jaundice. Microscopic agglutination testing (MAT)
for antibodies to Leptospira serovars Pomona and
Hardjo was performed. Two animals had high (1/1600)
titres for Leptospira serovar Pomona, suggesting that
leptospirosis may have been cause of the icterus and
illness in these animals.
A property in the Waikato region experienced deaths in
six-month-old lambs. Post-mortem examination of a lamb
submitted to the laboratory found that it was in thin body
condition, with severe diffuse fibrinous and exudative
pleuropneumonia affecting over 80% of the lung. The
liver was bronze-coloured and firm, with an enhanced
lobular pattern. A heavy growth of Pasteurella multocida
was isolated from the lung. Histology revealed an acute
fibrinosuppurative bronchopneumonia with pleuritis.
There were histopathologic changes in the liver consistent
with degeneration and regeneration of hepatocytes, and
there was biliary proliferation consistent with exposure
to sporodesmin. There was moderate atrophic enteritis
with numerous granulomas within the submucosa of
the intestine, consistent with gastrointestinal parasitism.
Pneumonia, caused by P. multocida and complicated by
exposure to sporodesmin and gastrointestinal parasitism,
was diagnosed.
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 37

Two lambs out of a mob of 300 in Otago presented
with lameness. The submitting veterinarian reported
granulomatous lesions on the distal limb proximal to
the coronary band. Histology revealed severe ulcerative
and crusting dermatitis with ballooning hydropic
degeneration of keratinocytes consistent with contagious
pustular dermatitis (orf). Gram-staining of the histologic
sections showed the presence of linear stacks of grampositive
organisms consistent with Dermatophilus
congolensis. Concurrent contagious pustular dermatitis
consistent with ovine parapoxvirus infection and
dermatophilosis were diagnosed.
GOATS
Milk from a dairy goat in the Auckland region with
chronic clinical mastitis was submitted for cytologic
and bacteriological examination. Cytologic examination
revealed a marked suppurative inflammation with
numerous small bacterial rods accompanied by lesscommon
fungal hyphae. Bacillus cereus was isolated
on bacterial culture. Fungal culture was not performed.
Mastitis caused by concurrent infection with B. cereus
and an unidentified fungus was diagnosed.
CAMELIDS
Cerebrospinal fluid from an alpaca cria exhibiting
nervous signs was submitted for cytologic examination
and culture. The cytologic examination revealed a
marked neutrophilic pleocytosis, consistent with septic
meningitis. Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified on
culture.
Gribbles Veterinary Pathology
CATTLE
Six animals among a mob of 63 six-month-old Friesian
cross heifers grazing river terraces in the Rangitikei
district were unwell, pyrexic, seeking shade, and
showing evidence of abdominal pain. One heifer was
jaundiced, with red urine. She was euthanised and
necropsied. Serum samples from two of the other
affected animals had gamma-gluturyl transferase
(GGT) concentrations of 1080 and 1713 IU/L (normal
range 9–39). Histopathological examination of the
liver and kidney revealed severe acute necrotising
cholangiohepatitis. Urinalysis revealed haemoglobinuria.
These findings and the elevated GGT concentrations
are all characteristic of sporidesmin toxicity (facial
eczema), a common problem in autumn when weather
conditions favour growth of the fungus Pithomyces
chartarum. Sporodesmin-induced haemolysis resulting in
haemoglobinuria is occasionally reported in cattle.
A number of cattle in the Rangitikei and Taranaki districts
have been showing signs of photosensitivity. Blood
samples taken had GGT levels of 681–3370 IU/L (normal
range 9–39) and GDH levels of 431–1698 IU/L (normal
range 8–41). This is consistent with severe cholestasis/
biliary damage and hepatocellular damage as a result of
sporidesmin toxicity.
A six-month-old Jersey/Friesian cross heifer from
Hawke’s Bay was presented for veterinary attention
because of ulcerative lesions of the skin on the lateral
thorax, abdomen and perianal and oral mucosa. A biopsy
of the lesions revealed ulceration, multinucleate giant-cell
formation among granulation tissue, and blood-vessel
wall necrosis. The heifer was euthanised. Post-mortem
examination revealed additional ulcers in the interdigital
skin, oesophagus and abomasum. A raised granulomatous
mass expanded the caudal aspect of the tongue behind
the torus. Lymphocytes invaded necrotic blood-vessel
walls in the submucosa of the alimentary tissues,
confirming an arteritis and vasculitis typical of infection
with ovine herpesvirus type 2 and the disease syndrome
malignant catarrhal fever. Multinucleate cells in the skin
of affected cattle have only been reported once before 1 .
A Hereford heifer in a mob of 80 heifers on a Southland
sheep and beef farm was noticed to be slightly offcolour.
Three days later it was found down with a severe
expiratory dyspnoea and increased lung sounds. It
had pale mucous membranes and dried blood at both
nostrils. A guarded prognosis was given. The animal
was euthanased. Necropsy showed marked generalised
emphysema of the lungs with collapse of the apical
lobes and small foci of collapse throughout. The airways
contained foam with a large blood clot in the left
bronchus. A few lungworm larvae were seen over the
cut surface of the lungs. The pericardium contained
about 500 ml of a serous effusion. Histopathological
examination of multiple sections of affected lung
showed the characteristic changes of atypical interstitial
pneumonia. This was most likely induced by a
hypersensitivity reaction to migrating Dictyocaulus
viviparus larvae, as large numbers of eosinophils and
38
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

a few lungworm larvae were present in the sections
examined. This farm was used also for grazing dairy
cattle, which may have contributed to a buildup of
lungworm larvae in the pasture. Alternatively, the reaction
seen in the lung of this cow may have been a severe
hypersensitivity reaction following previous exposure to
lungworm. Two other heifers in the same mob had died
showing the same signs, but these were not necropsied.
The mob was shifted and no more deaths occurred.
A Canterbury feedlot had lost eight young cattle from
a few pens of recently introduced stock. The animals
were found moribund or were depressed with laboured
breathing. Tissues were sent for examination from one
animal with respiratory distress. There were no lung
lesions but the brain had typical lesions of infectious
thrombotic meningoencephalitis. This is a well-known
feedlot disease, though the encephalitic form is rarely seen
in pastured animals in New Zealand.
An eight-year-old dairy cow from Taranaki had extensive
teat lesions, as well as skin lesions on the dewlap,
shoulder and back leg. There were lesions on the muzzle,
extending up into the nostril, and some inside the lips.
Histologically there was a thick scab of inflammatory
debris over the surface of an ulcer about 6 mm wide. The
dermis beneath this exhibited some necrosis, together
with fibrin, mononuclear cells, lymphoid cells and
eosinophils between the bundles of collagen. The small
blood vessels in the affected dermis had enlarged nuclei in
the smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. There were
cuffs of lymphoid cells, mononuclear cells and occasional
eosinophils around these vessels. The small blood vessels
beneath the intact epidermis had similar changes, but
had cuffs of mainly eosinophils around them. The dermis
adjacent to the ulcer was oedematous. The diagnosis of
an ulcerative dermatitis caused by a vasculopathy with a
possible hypersensitivity basis was made. High-producing
dairy cows can get a form of urticaria called milk allergy.
This is due to sensitisation to casein in their own milk,
and was the probable cause of the skin lesions in this cow.
SHEEP
Fifty of 300 six-month-old Romney cross lambs
grazing a brassica crop in the Rangitikei were noticed
with muscle tremor and cramping, eventually leading
to recumbency and the death of 20. The lambs were
suspected to have grazed staggerweed (Stachys arvensis)
around the boundary of the crop. Serum creatinine
phosphokinase (CPK) concentrations of two affected
lambs were 4625 and 17 775 IU/L (normal range
132–1573). Skeletal muscle collected from a dead lamb
revealed individual muscle fibres in various stages of
degeneration from oedema to necrosis, and in early
repair. Most hepatocytes were dilated by lipid, which
was consistent with hepatic lipidosis. These findings are
typical of a necrotising myopathy associated with lambs
grazing staggerweed. This condition is reported only
from the Rangitikei district, where staggerweed grows
prolifically around the margins of crops. Typically lambs
are introduced to the crops after weaning. Unfamiliar
with the forage, at first they don’t eat but metabolise their
fat reserves, resulting in hepatic lipidosis. Next, they graze
grass and weeds growing on unploughed ground at the
edge of the crop. If they eat enough staggerweed seeds a
toxic myopathy ensues.
Ten mature ewes in a mob died after grazing deer
paddocks on a Central Otago farm. A post-mortem
examination of one showed dark brown blood, very
yellow fat and dark kidneys. These changes suggested
acute copper toxicity and this was confirmed by a kidney
copper concentration of 3300 umol/kg (normally

While bacterial arthritis was not seen, a number of
live affected lambs did show lameness and an apparent
swelling of the limb joints. A leg from one of these lambs
sent to the laboratory showed swelling of the joint capsule
and scattered deposits of a thick green purulent exudate
in the tendon sheaths around the joint capsule, but the
joint was normal. From this exudate gram-negative bacilli
identified as Histophilus somni were isolated.
There was a similar case in Central Otago among ewe
and ram lambs running together on a large farm in early
March. Affected animals either were unthrifty, with
swollen joints containing purulent material, or were
found dead. An entire head was submitted for brain
removal. There were small pockets of green purulent
exudate within the muscles of the neck. This abscess was
not cultured.
During January and March there were four separate
outbreaks of salmonellosis caused by Salmonella
Hindmarsh in adult ewes in Southland. The death
rates were relatively low and in most cases there was
an association with exposure to muddy paddocks and
water. In one case the farmer blamed feral pigeons for the
outbreak. The intestinal contents of several dead pigeons
were tested for salmonella, with negative results.
In March there were outbreaks of bacterial infections
at vaccination sites on two Southland sheep farms. In
both outbreaks the ewes had damp wool and had been
vaccinated with a clostridial vaccine. Infection occurred
even though the vaccination needle had been changed
frequently. One of these outbreaks was investigated. The
lambs had been given an intramuscular injection of a
campylobacter vaccine as well as the clostridial vaccine.
Affected animals were first seen carrying one front leg a
week after being vaccinated. This lameness progressed to
recumbency and death over the following two to three
days. Necropsy of these dead lambs consistently showed a
marked accumulation of a malodorous subcutaneous fluid
in the brisket region. Over the next 10 days more than 40
lambs died and many more were noticed to be sick. All
sick lambs were treated with antibiotics and a proportion
of them recovered.
PIGS
A 10-week-old weaned piglet from a litter of 12 in the
Wairarapa died. The piglet was in poor condition with
no fat reserves. Peyer’s patches, lymph nodes, spleen and
bronchiole-associated lymphoid tissue were all devoid of
lymphocytes and replaced by macrophages. In the lymph
node, multinucleate giant cells were frequent, as well
as macrophages containing deeply basophilic botryoid
inclusions. These findings are characteristic of porcine
circovirus infection and the disease post-weaning
multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) of piglets.
Microabscesses in the colonic mucosa suggested that
infectious enteritis might have also afflicted the piglet.
CANINE AND FELINE
Blood was received from a five-year-old shar pei bitch
residing in the Manawatu. It showed signs of arthritis/
inflammation in the hock, pyrexia (40 o C), and a urinalysis
dipstick demonstrated proteinuria. It was the second
episode in this dog. There was a marked neutrophilia
of 38 x 10 9 /L (normal range 3.6–11.5 x 10 9 ). There were
small non-specific changes in the biochemistry. The
protein:creatinine ratio was elevated (4.05, normally

treatment with antithyroid drugs was recommenced.
While common in elderly cats with thyroid adenomas,
hyperthyroidism in dogs is rare, and usually produced by
a functioning thyroid carcinoma.
A 12-year-old cat from Christchurch had a 3–4-day
bout of diarrhoea. An abdominal mass was palpated.
An 8 cm mass was removed from the junction of the
ileum, caecum and colon. The local lymph nodes were
enlarged. Within the muscularis of the intestine there was
a large mass composed of branching and anastomosing
trabeculae of dense collagen separated by a densely
cellular population of large spindle-shaped cells admixed
with eosinophils. In several areas this merged with
granulomas that showed a central “starburst” pattern of
necrotic tissue infiltrated with filamentous and coccoid
bacteria. Eosinophil-rich suppurative inflammation and
then a mixture of macrophages, eosinophils, spindle
cells and fibroplasia surrounded this. The adjacent
lymph nodes had prominent follicles. The sinusoids were
infiltrated with eosinophils and there was mild sinusoidal
fibroplasia. A diagnosis of intestinal eosinophilic
sclerosing fibroplasia was made. This syndrome has only
been described recently 2 .
An eight-year-old old Jack Russell terrier with a history
of occasional bouts of bloody diarrhoea was presented
to a North Shore clinician. The problem had occurred
for three years, although during this time the animal
had never shown any signs of illness or discomfort.
A faecal sample was cultured for bacterial pathogens
and produced a growth of Salmonella Litchfield and a
Campylobacter sp.
Two aborted kittens from a breeding colony were
submitted for necropsy. The cattery had a history of
abortions, infertility and fading kittens, which the owner
had been reluctant to investigate, preferring to seek
advice from North America over the internet. She was
convinced the problem was a streptococcus G infection
and insisted that we rule this out. The kittens had aborted
at seven weeks. They had an interstitial pneumonia
with neutrophilic infiltrates in pulmonary alveoli
and occasional bacilliform bacteria. A heavy growth
of Salmonella Typhimurium was cultured from the
placenta of both kittens.
AVIAN
A five-week-old Moluccan cockatoo from an aviary in the
Waikato suddenly developed respiratory signs and died.
At post mortem red spots were noted in the trachea and
on the heart. Histology revealed sinusoids throughout the
liver, infiltrated with moderate numbers of medium-sized
mononuclear cells and occasional clusters of heterophils.
These were interpreted as being rubriblasts. There were
also occasional basophilic rubricytes and polychromatic
rubricytes present in the sinusoids and larger blood
vessels. There were frequent irregular-shaped areas of
degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes. The lung was
relatively bloodless. There were scattered granulocytes and
immature red blood cells within blood vessels. The spleen
had degeneration and necrosis of lymphoid cells within
the follicles and rubriblasts, and immature red blood
cells throughout the red pulp. The kidney had occasional
small foci of rubriblasts and granulocytes present. These
changes were considered consistent with psitticine
erythroblastosis.
A bird fancier in Blenheim who had been operating for
more 20 years lost 30 canaries over a period of 2–3 weeks.
The aviary was depopulated, cleaned and disinfected, but
canary deaths started to occur again at a rate of one a
day for five days while other species such as quail, turks,
and burks were unaffected. The birds were in a single
large aviary with interconnecting sections and had been
wormed 6–9 months previously. Two freshly dead birds
were submitted for necropsy. Both had small yellow/white
1-mm foci in the spleen. Bacterial culture of both spleens
produced a pure growth of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.
HORSES
A horse in the Wellington region showed signs of severe
allergic skin disease, itching all over, scratching its skin
and with severe alopecia over the whole body, even losing
the hair on its tail. There was a marked eosinophilia, with
eosinophils numbering 12.4 x 10 9 /l (normally 0–4 x 10 8 )
and this persisted for two months. Skin biopsies were
non-specific histologically and did not show a marked
allergic response. The differentials included paraneoplastic
syndrome, severe allergy, eosinophilic leukaemia and
hypereosinophilic syndrome. The horse was subsequently
diagnosed with a tumour in the spinal canal, confirming a
paraneoplastic syndrome.
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 41

LLAMOIDS
A six-week-old cria on a South Canterbury farm
developed breathing problems and died. It had not done
well since it was three weeks old. At necropsy it had
a rounded heart with white areas in the myocardium.
Histological examination of multiple sections revealed
a severe myocarditis with a marked lymphoid and
histiocytic infiltrate, extensive loss of myofibres and
intense focal infiltrates of neutrophils. Large numbers
of large gram-positive rods were present, often clustered
within the myocytes and the interstitium. No fresh
material was received and the identity of this bacterium
has not been determined.
GOATS
Five adult female goats on a South Canterbury farm died
over a week after developing ataxia and circling, clinical
signs typical of listeriosis. Histological examination of
the brains of two of the goats revealed lesions of listerial
encephalitis.
POULTRY
Upper respiratory signs and deaths were seen among
chickens in some sheds of a large commercial broiler
enterprise. Formalin-fixed tracheas from a number
of affected birds were examined by histopathology. A
necrotising tracheitis, with intra-nuclear inclusion bodies
consistent with infectious laryngotracheitis, was seen in
many mucosal epithelial cells.
References
1 Munday JS, French AF, Smith A, Wang AJ, Squires RA. Probable
malignant catarrhal fever presented as transient generalised crusting
dermatitis in a cow. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 56 (2), 89–93,
2008.
2 Craig LE, Hardam EE, Hertzke DM, Flatland B, Rohrbach BW, Moore
RR. Feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia. Veterinary
Pathology 46(1), 63–70, 2009.
Kerri Varney
Gribbles Veterinary Pathology
Email: kerri.varney@gribbles.co.nz
42
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

QUARTERLY REPORT OF INVESTIGATIONS
OF SUSPECTED EXOTIC DISEASES
CONTAGIOUS BOVINE PLEUROPNEUMONIA
RULED OUT
A Gribbles pathologist contacted MAF Biosecurity
New Zealand (MAFBNZ) to report cases of pneumonia
occurring on an 800-cow dairy farm where identification
of the likely bacterial organism was not possible. The
problem had been occurring for some time, mostly in
heifers presenting with coughing and in some cases
progressing to pneumonia and death. Histological
examination revealed a severe fibrinosuppurative
bronchopneumonia, and bacteriological culture
produced a heavy growth of gram-negative bacilli,
although identification was not possible at the regional
laboratory. The IDC was able to identify the bacteria as
Histophilus somni, an endemic pathogen. Contagious
bovine pleuropneumonia as a possible exotic cause was
ruled out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
HAEMORRHAGIC SEPTICAEMIA EXCLUDED
A Gribbles pathologist reported a positive culture for
Pasteurella multocida from tissues of a calf affected by
a septicaemic condition characterised by pleurisy and
peritonitis. Five calves from a mob of 90 (6%) died over
a two-day period. The calves were about three months
old and had been weaned about a week prior to death.
No further deaths occurred after notification in either
the affected mob or in the other five mobs present on the
farm. Apart from this mortality event, all six calf mobs
on the farm had a good growing season, with fewer than
ten deaths, most of which occurred in the very early preweaning
period. No new animals had been introduced
into the herd for more than a year. The only potential
stressors identified were recent weaning (seven days
prior), and mild inclement weather (lower temperatures
and high humidity) around weaning and again 3–4
days later. Cultures of P. multocida were submitted to
IDC Wallaceville for typing. Molecular assays excluded
toxigenic Pasteurella strains, and strains associated with
haemorrhagic septicaemia (B:2 and E:2). Analysis using a
P. multocida capsular serogroup specific PCR generated a
positive result for capsular type B. Confirmation of these
findings and further analysis of the isolates using multilocus
sequence typing (MLST) and somatic (Heddleston)
typing is underway at Copenhagen University (Professor
Christensen).
A disease outbreak in calves in the Manawatu region,
typified by pleurisy and peritonitis, was notified
Exotic disease investigations are managed
and reported by MAF’s Investigation and
Diagnostic Centre (IDC) Wallaceville. The
following is a summary of investigations of
suspected exotic disease during the period
from January to March 2010.
to the IDC Wallaceville by a Gribbles pathologist.
Pasteurella multocida was cultured from tissues (lung
and muscle) from affected calves by Gribbles Veterinary
Pathology and the IDC’s Animal Health laboratory at
Wallaceville. The outbreak occurred in one management
group of 75 bull calves born during spring 2009. Over
a period of two days four calves were found dead. No
risk factors were identified that could potentially have
predisposed them to disease. Weather immediately before
the outbreak had been fine; calves had not been shifted;
there had been no change in feed; no new animals had
been introduced nor new management procedures carried
out. A P. multocida capsular serogroup specific multiplex
PCR amplified a capsular type B specific product from
the P. multocida isolate. A HS-B PCR was negative for
all samples tested. Finally, DNA was tested with a toxA
gene specific PCR to determine whether the isolate
was toxigenic. This PCR was negative for all samples
tested. Hence the species isolated from calves from the
outbreak was a non-haemorrhagic septicaemia strain of
P. multocida.
A Gribbles pathologist reported to the IDC Wallaceville a
disease outbreak in calves where pleurisy and peritonitis
were key features. Pasteurella multocida was cultured from
lung and muscle tissues from affected calves by Gribbles
Veterinary Pathology and the IDC. The outbreak occurred
in one management group in calves born during spring
2009. Three calves from a mob of 60 (5%) died acutely
over a two-day period. No risk factors were identified
that could potentially have predisposed calves to disease.
A P. multocida capsular serogroup specific multiplex
PCR amplified a capsular type B specific product from
the P. multocida isolate. A HS-B PCR was negative for
all samples tested. Finally, DNA was tested with a toxA
gene specific PCR to determine whether the isolate was
toxigenic. This PCR was negative for all samples tested.
Hence, the Pasteurella species isolated from calves from
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 43

the outbreak was a non-haemorrhagic septicaemia strain
of P. multocida.
CALF FACIAL PARALYSIS INVESTIGATED
A veterinarian notified the IDC Wallaceville of a
town-supply dairy farm with calves affected by an
unusual syndrome characterised by facial paralysis.
The investigation was centred on an outbreak during
the autumn of 2007. A previous outbreak had occurred
during the spring of 2006 but had not been reported.
Between these two outbreaks a total of 21 calves had been
affected.
The maximum weekly incidences of cases for the spring
2006 and autumn 2007 calving periods were 15% (7/46)
and 19% (8/42) respectively, and the corresponding
morbidity rates (as a function of all calves born over the
respective calving periods) were 14% (21/147) and 18%
(21/115). The case fatality rates of calves affected over
the respective calving periods were 52% (11/21) and 38%
(8/21). Affected calves that survived generally recovered
over a period of 3–8 weeks and were returned to the main
cohort. The effect on production-related parameters for
those surviving was not determined.
At the onset of the outbreak, affected calves generally
presented with a fever (>40°C and neurological deficits.
Most of the neurological signs related to unilateral or
bilateral dysfunction of the buccal and auriculopalpebral
branches of the facial (cranial nerve VII) nerve. Signs
included reduced or absent sensation in the external
ear canal, nostrils and face; absent or reduced menace
response; ptosis, and spilling of food during mastication.
A standard screen for bovine health, including serum
biochemistry, complete blood count and haematology,
was carried out on two of the affected calves. Results of
the laboratory tests were within the normal reference
ranges provided by Gribbles Veterinary Pathology. Postmortem
examinations of three affected calves revealed
no infectious aetiological agent in neurological tissues
despite tests for viruses, bacteria and Mycoplasma spp.
This included testing of the brainstem, trigeminal nerve
and facial nerve by virus isolation; herpesvirus PCR;
Listeria spp. isolation and PCR, and Mycoplasma isolation
and PCR. Additional PCR testing of cerebrospinal fluid
and parotid and retropharyngeal lymph nodes detected
no Listeria monocytogenes.Tests on hepatic tissues for
vanadium toxicity were inconclusive. This syndrome was
first notified in 1999 and has never been reported outside
of the South Auckland district. Because of the defined
spatial location, a non-infectious aetiology would seem
likely (1) .
EVA RULED OUT
A Gribbles veterinary pathologist informed MAF via
the 0800 freephone of a recently castrated five-yearold
Arab horse with histological changes in the testes
consistent with a possible aetiology of equine viral
arteritis. Histology identified mild testicular arteriolitis
with lymphocytic infiltration. The stallion had failed to
successfully inseminate a number of mares, and semen
analysis carried out one month prior to castration, when
the stallion had bilateral orchitis, identified a suppurative
inflammation. Equine viral arteritis was excluded
after negative virus-neutralisation tests performed on
convalescent serum samples from the stallion and five
in-contact mares, at the IDC Wallaceville. Other potential
causes of the identified histological changes could include
age-related change, strongyle migration and trauma.
Exotic disease was excluded and the investigation was
stood down.
A Gribbles pathologist reported a case of equine oedema
with a possible aetiology of equine viral arteritis (EVA).
A 10-year-old Clydesdale cross gelding had been losing
weight for three weeks and had developed oedema on its
sheath and brisket. The horse had lived in New Zealand
since birth and had no links with imported horses or
breeding animals. Routine haematology revealed a
lymphopenia but no red blood cell changes. Serum was
tested at the IDC using the virus-neutralisation test
for EVA, with a negative result. The oedema eventually
resolved and the horse made an uneventful recovery
following antimicrobial therapy. The investigation was
stood down with no firm aetiological diagnosis reached.
A Gribbles veterinary pathologist informed MAF via the
0800 freephone of three aged (16–20 years) thoroughbred
mares with variable odema of ventral areas. None of the
horses were pyrexic, although they were listless. Routine
haematology identified a mild stress leucogram with
elevated fibrinogen. Red cell parameters were normal.
Equine viral arteritis was excluded after negative results
in virus-neutralisation tests performed on convalescent
sera at IDC Wallaceville. The oedema dissipated rapidly
after antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment. Exotic
disease was excluded and the investigation was stood
down.
44
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

VESICULAR STOMATITIS RULED OUT
A veterinarian reported a horse with oral ulcerations on
the tongue and gums, suspicious of vesicular stomatitis.
The 10-year-old stationbred mare had been born in
New Zealand and was managed along with several other
horses. It had been moved to the current owner’s property
a week before the lesions were noticed. No other clinical
signs suggestive of vesicular stomatitis were present:
there were no vesicles in the oral cavity; other mucous
membranes and coronary bands were normal, and
apart from the oral ulcerations the horse was clinically
healthy. Cattle and sheep housed on the property
were unaffected. PCR carried out on blood samples at
the IDC’s Wallaceville AHL gave negative results for
vesicular stomatitis virus. Bacterial culture of an oral
swab at Gribbles Veterinary Pathology returned a heavy
growth of Actinobacillus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp., and a moderate
growth of mixed coliforms. Further typing of these species
was not done. A presumptive diagnosis of woody tongue
caused by A. lignieresii was made. The lesions resolved a
few days after antibiotic treatment commenced.
EXOTIC TICKS CONFIRMED
A male husky imported from Adelaide, Australia, was
found to be carrying a single live tick while undergoing
border clearance checks by a MAFBNZ quarantine
inspector. The dog underwent insecticidal dipping and
was held in quarantine while repeat blood testing was
undertaken. It was recorded as having been treated with
fipronil (spray application) during the seven-day period
prior to export. The NZFSA veterinarian overseeing
the quarantine facility twice re-examined the dog and
found one more dead tick. Both ticks were identified as
Rhipicephalus sanguineus.
In a similar case, during the mandatory 30-day post-entry
quarantine, a dog recently imported from Michigan, USA,
was found to have a single dead tick lodged in the neck
area. Once again the tick was identified as R. sanguineus.
The dog was recorded as having been treated with fipronil
(spray application) twice during the seven-day period
prior to export. This double application exceeded the
requirements of the import health standard and occurred
as a result of a misunderstanding over export dates. The
NZFSA veterinarian overseeing the quarantine facility
twice re-examined the dog and found no further evidence
of ticks.
In both these cases a further blood sample was taken prior
to release from quarantine and tested for serological and
antigenic evidence of Ehrlichia and Babesia spp., with
negative results. The kennels and associated bedding, and
shipping crates and contents were appropriately treated or
disposed of.
R. sanguineus has caused temporary infestations in
North Island houses on three occasions and is the tick
species most commonly intercepted at our borders. It has
the potential to become established here, especially in
northern parts of the North Island, or in heated houses in
other parts of the country. No further action is required in
relation to these cases.
CANINE TRANSMISSIBLE VENEREAL TUMOUR
CONFIRMED
A one-year-old crossbreed entire male dog from Bali,
Indonesia, was imported to New Zealand via a six-month
quarantine in Singapore. Five weeks after arrival the dog
was presented at a veterinary clinic with bleeding from the
penis. Gribbles Veterinary Pathology called the MAFBNZ
pest and disease hotline after making a cytological
diagnosis of canine transmissible venereal tumour, which
was subsequently confirmed by MAFBNZ’s contracted
expert pathologist. Canine transmissible venereal tumour
(TVT) is a round-cell tumour that affects male and female
dogs, with the external genitalia being the most common
site for tumours. Transmission occurs most often during
mating, when exfoliation and transplantation transfers
neoplastic cells from an affected dog to the genital mucosa
of the other. The disease is exotic to New Zealand. Urgent
measures were instituted to limit the spread of infection,
including confinement of the dog, chemotherapy and
castration. A biosecurity response was initiated for a
long-term solution to the incursion, with the welfare
of the New Zealand dog population being of prime
importance. The course of action taken was surgical
penile and preputial amputation, combined with scrotal
urethrostomy. This removed any remaining affected tissue,
and combined with the chemotherapeutic remission of
the tumour, mitigated the risk of transmission of TVT to
any other dog.
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 45

EHRLICHIA AND RICKETTSIA SPECIES
EXCLUDED
A New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA)
Verification Agency veterinarian contacted MAFBNZ
to report severe anaemia in a recently imported threeyear-old
feline undergoing post-entry quarantine. The cat
had been imported from California, USA, immediately
after an extensive medical investigation for anaemia. A
definitive diagnosis had not been reached, but following
unsuccessful attempts at bone marrow aspirates by a
specialist, a provisional diagnosis of a myelofibrotic
condition had been made and immunosuppressive
medication commenced. In the absence of a definitive
diagnosis, an investigation was opened to confirm this
feline was not infected with an exotic disease. Background
details were requested from the client’s veterinarian in the
USA. A repeat inspection for ectoparasites was negative.
Routine haematology and chemistry was undertaken
by Gribbles Veterinary Pathology. Haematology
revealed a poorly regenerative anaemia with occasional
intracellular structures resembling mycoplasmas seen
in the red blood cells. Chemistry was unremarkable.
Mycoplasma haemofelis PCR was negative. Ehrlichia and
Rickettsia spp. PCRs undertaken at Bristol University, UK,
were also negative. During the quarantine period the cat
showed marked improvement on the immunosuppressive
therapy, further supporting the presumptive diagnosis of
a myelofibrotic condition, and the investigation was stood
down. The issue of exporting an unhealthy animal is being
followed up by the MAFBNZ Animal Imports Team with
USDA officials.
AVIAN POLYOMAVIRUS INVESTIGATED
A veterinary surgeon contacted MAFBNZ to report
unusual histolological findings noted by a Gribbles
veterinary pathologist in two lovebirds that had died
suddenly in a large multi-species free-flight aviary. In
both birds, numerous intranuclear inclusion bodies
were present in both spleen and liver, with adjacent
areas of necrosis, characteristic of avian polyomavirus
(APV) infection. The histological sections were reviewed
by the MAFBNZ expert pathologist, who agreed the
characteristic lesions supported a presumptive diagnosis
of APV.
APV is an important pathogen affecting many species
of cage birds, causing morbidity and mortality in mainly
nestlings, leading to the common name of budgerigar
fledgling disease virus. APV is thought to be present in
New Zealand’s captive parrot population, based on limited
serological evidence (2) and three presumed APV cases
based on histological evidence. There have been no cases
to date where virus has been isolated or molecular tests
have indicated its presence. An investigation therefore
commenced with the objectives of either isolating APV or
showing molecular evidence for it, and ruling out other
exotic psittacine viruses.
Virus isolation performed at the IDC on liver, wing,
intestine and pooled tissues from the two birds revealed
no cytopathic viruses after three passages in primary
chicken embryo liver cell culture. Molecular testing was
also negative for APV, adenovirus, beak and feather
disease and Pacheco’s disease. DNA in situ hybridisation
performed at the University of Georgia, USA, on
fixed spleen and liver was negative for avian generic
polyomavirus, Pacheco’s disease, avian adenovirus and
avian circovirus. The cause of the interesting gross and
histological lesions remains unknown. No significant
disease events have been observed in the free-flight aviary
or in other birds in the collection. The owner had not
experienced any problems with other lovebirds or other
psittacine species.
A veterinary surgeon contacted MAFBNZ to report a case
of hepatitis in a 17-year-old female African grey parrot
presented in extremis after being sick for 3–4 days. The
hepatitis was considered the likely cause of death and was
consistent with a viral aetiology. Tissue samples submitted
to Gribbles Veterinary Pathology for histology revealed
a multifocal hepatocellular necrosis, with hepatocytes in
or adjacent to necrotic foci often showing karyomegaly
and containing large basophilic intranuclear inclusion
bodies, which is highly suggestive of an adenovirus.
Similar inclusions are also reported in association with
avian polyomavirus infection, although they tend to
be less basophilic than those present in this bird. The
inclusions were not typical of those seen in herpesvirus
infection (Pacheco’s disease). The histological sections
were reviewed by the MAFBNZ expert pathologist,
who concurred with the original finding. PCR testing
undertaken at the IDC Wallaceville was negative for avian
polyomavirus, Pacheco’s disease and beak and feather
disease, but positive for psittacine adenovirus. Psittacine
adenovirus is endemic in New Zealand.
46
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

PENGUIN MORTALITY INVESTIGATED
A Department of Conservation (DOC) ranger informed
MAF via the 0800 freephone of about 40 dead blue
penguins (Eudyptula minor) washed up on beaches near
Port Waikato. The dead birds were noted over a period
of a few days in early January 2010. Five penguins were
submitted to Gribbles Veterinary Pathology for postmortem
examination and histopathology. Tissue slides
were also assessed by MAF’s reference pathologist. All
penguins were in emaciated body condition with empty
gastrointestinal tracts. Few significant histological changes
were present, but most birds showed evidence of acute
or subacute myodegeneration, affecting particularly the
pectoral muscles. Two birds had an intestinal cestode
infestation, likely Tetrabothrius sp., but this was probably
of no significance. The myodegeneration was considered
likely to be secondary to exertion, as would be expected
in birds that had been forced to travel beyond their usual
range in order to find food.
As part of another DOC investigation into marine algal
blooms in the same region, water samples were collected
and tested at the Cawthron Institute. A common ciliate
alga, Mesodinium rubrum, was identified in large numbers
and although it is non-toxic, algal blooms can reduce
oxygen levels and impact on fish stocks. There were
no lesions in any of the birds to suggest that a specific
infectious agent was responsible for the deaths. Starvation,
perhaps combined with extreme exertion, appears to be
the most likely explanation. What part the algal blooms
may have played in producing deaths through reducing
inshore fish numbers is not known. No further action is
required with respect to this event.
EFB RULED OUT
A scientist reported that larvae in a diseased hive showed
signs consistent with European foulbrood (Melissococcus
pluton). Samples of affected larvae were collected and
transported to the IDC for testing. M. pluton was
excluded subsequent to negative PCR and culture of
samples.
HONEY BEE MORTALITY INVESTIGATED
A member of the public reported finding a large number
of dead bees along a 1.5-km stretch of beach in the Bay of
Plenty. A MAF Biosecurity officer collected samples
for submission to the IDC (Tamaki and Wallaceville).
Molecular testing at Wallaceville excluded the presence
of Melissococcus plutonius (European foulbrood) and
Nosema ceranae. Testing at Tamaki found no evidence
of Varroa mites, other exotic external mites, or tracheal
mite (Acarapis woodi). Morphometric wing analysis
indicated that the bees were (>90% probability) European
honey bees (Apis mellifera mellifera). Work is underway
to confirm this assessment using molecular techniques
to rule out A. m. scutella (African honey bee) and
A. m. capensis (Cape honey bee). The find was considered
to be a swarm originating from an offshore island. Exotic
honey bees and exotic disease were excluded and the
investigation was stood down.
EXOTIC DISEASES OF PAUA EXCLUDED
A member of the public reported a number of paua
(Haliotis iris) collected from an area in Kaikoura with
irregularities on the interior shell surface containing
a brown jelly-like substance. These were suspected to
be associated with a mycotic shell infection previously
reported in New Zealand paua. However, a shell was
submitted to the IDC Wallaceville for examination to rule
out an exotic or emerging cause. The material in the shell
lesion appeared layered and had likely been stimulated by
an ongoing irritant. While no fungal growth was isolated
on culture or evident in histopathology, this could still
have been the underlying cause. Other possibilities could
include an aberrant parasitic worm infestation or foreign
bodies such as sand, although there was no evidence of
such in histopathology.
FISH MORTALITY INVESTIGATED
A large number of small dead fish in Waitohu Stream at
Otaki Beach north of Wellington were reported by the
Greater Wellington Regional Council to MAFBNZ. The
site was visited by an incursion investigator who saw
several hundred small (~10 cm) dead fish in a freshwater
reach of the creek at the dune level at Otaki Beach. A local
resident stated that the reach was influenced by saltwater
at high tide. Fish had reportedly appeared in the stream
within the previous 24 hours. About 12 specimens of two
species were collected and underwent identification, postmortem
and histological examination at IDC Wallaceville.
One species was identified as the pilchard Neopilchardus
sardinops, a marine species; however the second species
could not be identified. Histopathology of formalin-fixed
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 47

specimens found no evidence of infectious disease or
hypoosmality. Hypoosmality can result in death without
detectable pathological changes, so this may have been
responsible for the mortality event.
RISK GOODS INVESTIGATED
A MAF Survey Team member informed the IDC of
suspect risk goods for sale at an Asian supermarket in
Auckland. The product was commercially packaged
“Century” duck eggs. Investigations by the Survey Team
overseen by an Incursion Investigator determined that
the product had been correctly declared by the importer
but had been released erroneously in December 2009
by border staff. The eggs, although preserved through
salting and alkalinisation, were uncooked and therefore
did not meet the import health standard. Given the
manufacturing process, the product was not considered
to pose a biosecurity risk and the investigation was stood
down. The remaining 18 eggs were submitted to MAF
for disposal. Border staff have been reminded that all
preserved eggs should be inspected, and must satisfy the
required standard.
An ice-cream wholesaler informed the MAF Survey
Team of suspicions of faulty certification accompanying
imports from South Korea by a competitor. The informant
considered themselves to have exclusive rights to import
the products in question, meaning they did not believe
the products could have be imported legitimately by
another importer. The products were numerous lines
of commercially packaged ice creams produced by two
South Korean companies. Investigations by the Survey
Team overseen by an Incursion Investigator determined
that the product had been correctly declared by the
importer. Zoosanitary certificates and manufacturers’
declarations accompanying the products were in order.
Records showed that the products had been assessed and
cleared by MAFBNZ border staff in November 2009. No
evidence of risk or unauthorised goods was identified
and the investigation was stood down. The absence of
traceability information (batch and serial numbers and
manufacturing dates) in the import documentation
was identified as a potential weakness had a product
recall been required. A requirement for unique product
identification data when importing specified goods will be
considered by MAFBNZ’s Imports Team.
A MAFBNZ Quarantine Inspector informed the IDC
of suspect risk goods for sale at an Asian supermarket
in Christchurch. The commercially packaged pickled
(uncooked) fish product was manufactured in Vietnam.
Investigations determined that the product had been
correctly declared by the importer but had been released
in error by MAFBNZ in December 2009. The product
was not considered to pose a biosecurity risk given the
manufacturing process, and the investigation was stood
down. Border staff have been reminded that pickled fish
products must be inspected to ensure the required import
health standard has been satisfied.
A dairy-product wholesaler informed the MAFBNZ
Risk Profiling Team of his suspicion that non-compliant
certification might have accompanied a competitor’s
product. The product in question contained butter and
paneer intended for sale within India (not for export).
The informant’s suspicion was raised as his company
had exclusive rights to import the product and therefore
suspected that the competitor’s importation might be
illegal. Investigations by MAFBNZ determined that
the product and accompanying certification had been
assessed by MAFBNZ border staff prior to receiving
biosecurity clearance in January 2010. Consultation with
trade counterparts in India revealed the zoosanitary
certificates and manufacturer’s declarations to have been
falsified. There was no evidence for a risk product, given
the commercial manufacturing processes, but since
the documentation was false, the goods were declared
unauthorised. Urgently implemented measures included
a hold on the product at the importer’s warehouse.
Following a Chief Technical Officer’s direction, the
importer decided not to reship the unauthorised products
but to have them destroyed under MAF supervision. The
exporter is under investigation by the Indian police. Any
information or actions emerging from this investigation
will be passed on to MAF by the NZ High Commission
in India. A project between the MAFBNZ Animal
Imports Team and NZFSA is underway to assess potential
improvements to import-certification requirements.
48
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010

References
1 McFadden AMJ, Mackereth GF, Avery M, Clough R, Bolotovski I,
Fitzmaurice J. A syndrome of facial paralysis of dairy calves in the
Franklin district of New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 57(1),
63–68, 2009.
2 Jacob-Hoff R. Avian Health Surveillance Project. MAF, unpublished
report, 2001.
Paul Bingham
Team Manager Incursion Investigation – Animals
and Marine
Investigation and Diagnostic Centre Wallaceville
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 40 742
Upper Hutt
Email: paul.bingham@maf.govt.nz
SURVEILLANCE 37 (2) 2010 49

GRIBBLES VETERINARY PATHOLOGY
• AUCKLAND
Courier: 485 Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland
Postal: PO Box 41, Auckland
Tel: 09 526 4560 Fax: 09 526 4569
• HAMILTON
Courier: 57 Sunshine Ave, Hamilton
Postal: PO Box 195, Hamilton
Tel: 07 850 0777 Fax: 07 850 0770
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Postal: PO Box 536, Palmerston North
Tel: 06 356 7100 Fax: 06 357 1904
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Courier: 7 Halkett Street, Christchurch 8015
Postal: PO Box 3866, Christchurch
Tel: 03 379 9484 Fax: 03 379 9485
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Postal: PO Box 371, Mosgiel
Tel: 03 489 4600 Fax: 03 489 8576
NEW ZEALAND VETERINARY PATHOLOGY
Animal Disease Emergency
To report suspected exotic diseases in animals,
please phone toll free, all hours
0800 80 99 66
Investigation and Diagnostic
Centre – Wallaceville
• HAMILTON
Courier: Cnr Anglesea and Knox Streets, Hamilton
Postal: PO Box 944, Hamilton
Tel: 07 839 1470 Fax: 07 839 1471
• PALMERSTON NORTH
Courier: IVABS Building, 1st Floor,
Massey University, Tennant Drive, Palmerston North
Postal: PO Box 325, Palmerston North
Tel: 06 353 3983 Fax: 06 353 3986
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
PO Box 40 742
UPPER HUTT
Tel: 04 526 5600
Fax: 04 526 5601