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Has MPI advised or encouraged poultry producers to "flockdown" and if so, is this voluntary guidance or an expectation that producers are effectively expected to follow, and if it is not a legal requirement, how does MPI distinguish between advice and a de facto requirement for businesses that may feel they have little practical choice other than to 'flockdown'?

Answered Question 35698 (2026)
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Asked by

Jo Luxton

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • Has MPI advised or encouraged poultry producers to "flockdown" and if so, is this voluntary guidance or an expectation that producers are effectively expected to follow, and if it is not a legal requirement, how does MPI distinguish between advice and a de facto requirement for businesses that may feel they have little practical choice other than to 'flockdown'?

Answered by

Hon Andrew Hoggard

List MP · ACT Party · Minister for Biosecurity

Answer

Any move to house birds is being undertaken voluntarily by farmers as a precautionary step to protect their flocks from H5 bird flu, and is a temporary preventative measure at this stage. The Commerce Commission has provided guidance on Free Range Egg and Poultry Meat Claims During an Avian Influenza Outbreak. This is publicly available on the Ministry for Primary Industries’ website.