OPINION: It's a tough pill to swallow that bird flu (avian influenza) has finally arrived in New Zealand. If you're out and about:Keep your distance from sick or dead birds. And because we don't import fresh chicken or eggs under our biosecurity rules, protecting our domestic poultry industry is incredibly important. They are checking coastal areas and responding quickly to high-value reports of sick or dead wildlife. Together, that will give us the best chance to protect our native wildlife, support our farmers, and safeguard our food security into the future.