You may have questions about H5N1 and chicken litter-based fertilisers. Here’s what you need to know.
Bird flu (H5N1) primarily affects wild birds and poultry. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) advises that the current risk to people remains very low.
We know some of you are asking whether it affects Osflo, the chicken litter-based fertiliser you’ve been using confidently for years. The answer is straightforward: no changes are required, and you can continue using Osflo as normal. Here’s what you need to understand.
How Osflo Is Made
1.0 Clean wood shavings are supplied to poultry growers for use as bedding in chicken sheds.
2.0 The litter is composted under controlled conditions, reaching temperatures of 55°C or higher for a minimum of 15 days to meet recognised organic composting standards and BioGro requirements for pathogen reduction. The compost is regularly monitored and managed throughout the process.
3.0 The composted material is then matured and processed into Osflo fertiliser, ready to be returned to New Zealand soils to support healthy plant growth and improved soil condition.
4.0 The composted material is then matured and processed into Osflo fertiliser, ready to be returned to New Zealand soils to support healthy plant growth and improved soil condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Osflo’s composting process kill H5N1 avian influenza?
Yes. Our controlled composting process eliminates the virus. We maintain temperatures of at least 55°C for a minimum of 15 consecutive days, which effectively kills H5N1.
We actively monitor and manage each batch throughout composting to ensure consistency. The finished Osflo is a stabilised, mature compost product, fundamentally different from raw litter and safe for agricultural use.
Is there any risk to my health if I use Osflo?
No. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) advises that the current risk of H5N1 to people remains very low.
Osflo is a finished compost product produced through our controlled composting process at temperatures of at least 55°C for 15 consecutive days. It is fundamentally different from raw chicken litter. Through composting, it becomes a stabilised, mature product suitable for safe agricultural application.
Following good agricultural practice—including the recommended 21-day grazing withholding period after application—further protects livestock and people. These practices have not changed and remain part of standard farm management.
If you have specific health concerns, contact your health provider or refer to MPI’s guidance on H5N1.
How can I be confident in Osflo’s quality and safety?
Osflo is produced and managed under a comprehensive set of independent certifications and quality frameworks. These aren’t internal claims – they’re verified by third parties who regularly audit our operations.
Our Certifications
- ISO-certified Quality, Environmental, and Health & Safety management systems – ensuring we meet the International Organisation of Standards (ISO) internationally recognised standards across all operations https://telarc.org/
- BioGro certified – our composting process is independently audited to meet organic standards, including specific verification of our temperature management and process controls www.biogro.co.nz
- Fertmark certified – independently confirming product quality and safety for agricultural use https://fertqual.co.nz/fertmark/
- Toitū Carbon Reduce certified – providing environmental accountability and transparent reporting www.toitu.co.nz
These certifications mean our processes are regularly audited by independent bodies. They verify that what we say we do, we actually do.
How does Osflo ensure biosecurity across its operations?
Beyond certifications, we operate established biosecurity controls as standard practice:
- Cleaning and sanitising of vehicles, equipment, and footwear where required
- Managing movements of people, vehicles, and equipment
- Following site-specific biosecurity requirements
- Monitoring industry and regulatory guidance
What this means for you
Supply and usage of Osflo remain unchanged. There is no change to how you use Osflo. You can continue to use Osflo with confidence.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) advises farmers to focus on preventing contact between domestic birds and wild birds, and maintaining strict hygiene practices.
Key steps MPI recommends: If you spot three or more sick or dead wild birds in one place, report them to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66
Supply chain protection
Good biosecurity on your farm starts with protecting your inputs. Osflo is produced through a controlled, certified composting process and works alongside your farm’s biosecurity practices. The finished compost has been processed at temperatures of at least 55°C for 15 consecutive days, eliminating pathogens before it reaches your paddock.
Following MPI’s guidance, combined with the safety measures built into Osflo’s production, gives you confidence in your complete supply chain.
For current, detailed information on farm biosecurity, visit MPI’s website at www.mpi.govt.nz/bird-flu or contact your veterinarian.
What will Osflo do if H5N1 is identified in Taranaki?
MPI, Tegel and Osflo have been working together to ensure there is no biosecurity risk to our people and no pathogen spread through litter. In the event H5N1 is identified in Taranaki, we will communicate any next steps/ updates via this blog along with other outgoing communication.
Reliable Information Sources
For current information on H5N1, refer to
- Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity-in-nz/dont-let-bird-flu-take-flight – official government guidance and updates
- Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand (PIANZ) Industry information and advice https://birdflu.pianz.org.nz/
- Department of Conservation https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/wildlife-health/avian-influenza/
- Osflo Website Latest News and Updates https://www.osflo.co.nz/technical-resources/
We encourage relying on these trusted sources rather than speculation on social media.
