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Ōamaru Penguins has introduced new biosecurity measures at its wildlife tourism facility to help protect its colony of around 700 kororā/little penguins from the potential threat of avian influenza.
Visitors will now be asked to use foot wash stations before entering the penguin colony building and seal viewing area.
Science and environmental manager Dr Philippa Agnew says the additional measures are designed to reduce the risk of disease being inadvertently introduced into sensitive wildlife habitat.
“This simple biosecurity measure helps reduce the risk of inadvertently moving disease into sensitive wildlife habitat.”
Philippa says the organisation has been preparing for the potential arrival of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in New Zealand and introduced the measures in consultation with the Department of Conservation and the Ministry for Primary Industries.
She says protecting the colony is a priority following decades of conservation work that has helped increase local little penguin numbers.
The rehabilitation facility will remain open and continue treating sick or injured penguins, while visitors and the local community are encouraged to report unusual wildlife deaths in line with MPI guidance.
