Samoa remains free of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), but the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) is urging poultry owners and the public to remain vigilant after the virus was detected in wild birds in New Zealand.
In a public notice, the ministry said there is no evidence of H5N1 in Samoa and no reports of unusual illness or sudden deaths among domestic poultry or wild birds.
MAF said it is closely monitoring developments through updates from New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries, the World Organisation for Animal Health and regional animal health partners.
The ministry said Samoa's bio-security surveillance, animal health monitoring and border control systems remain fully operational.
Officials have also reviewed import requirements and border bio-security measures for poultry and poultry products. Additional risk management measures are ready to be introduced if the situation changes.
