22 November 2005
Parrot to have cracker Kiwi experience.
A Grey African parrot will be allowed to enjoy its kiwi experience and remain on board its vessel for the duration of
its stay, Biosecurity New Zealand announced today.
The Grey African parrot is bound for New Zealand on a vessel due to arrive in Auckland, but its arrival, like all other
vessels with animals on board, needed to be assessed on a case-by-case basis, Biosecurity New Zealand Animal Imports
team manager Gillian Mylrea says.
“It’s an interesting tale, but there are serious implications. We needed to be satisfied that the bird did not pose an
undue risk of introducing bird or other diseases to New Zealand. We are satisfied that any risk that might exist can be
adequately managed. The people involved have co-operated to the fullest extent possible,” says Dr Mylrea.
“New Zealand has no import health standards for parrots, even if it’s in transit. That hasn’t stopped parrots before,
but they have all stayed on board at the port of first arrival. This situation is a bit different - we understand the
vessel intends to visit elsewhere in New Zealand while it is here – that was the issue we needed to tidy up.
“There’s nothing unusual about it, other than that the risk environment, and particularly awareness global awareness of
avian influenza has changed. This is the first parrot we have had arrive on a vessel since the Americas Cup. We have to
assess it and determine appropriate conditions so New Zealand would not be exposed to any risks.
The options considered included placing the parrot in quarantine in Auckland Airport, leaving the parrot on board at its
first port of call, or leaving the bird on board with certain conditions. This is what will happen. The conditions
include:
1. The parrot is to remain in its cage, indoors on the vessel while it is in New Zealand. The parrot will not be
eligible for biosecurity clearance into New Zealand and will not cross the border.
2. The vessel is to remain at Princess Wharf until the bird has been tested negative for a variety of bird diseases.
Until results are available, the bird will be inspected on a daily basis by a MAF Biosecurity Inspector. If the parrot
tests positive it must leave New Zealand immediately.
3. All costs of testing and inspection will be at the parrot owner’s expense.
ENDS