Preparing for Bird Flu
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI strain H5N1), is commonly known as bird flu.
This strain of bird flu has been spreading around the world since 2020, affecting both domesticated and wild birds. New Zealand has not yet had a case of this strain, but it has the potential to significantly impact the country’s poultry sector, wildlife and biodiversity if it arrives here.
This strain of the disease is spread by wild birds, meaning it’s unlikely that bird flu could be kept out of New Zealand or eradicated once it establishes in wild birds. But we can reduce the impact by being prepared.
In countries where the current H5N1 strain of bird flu is present, human infection has been rare. Therefore, the risk to human health is considered low. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) are closely monitoring the situation internationally and have implemented measures to prepare for a potential outbreak in NZ.
The MPI website has detailed information about bird flu including:
- What you can do to be ready and protect your flock
- The signs of HPAI and what to look out for in wild bird populations
- How MPI is tracking the disease and actions to plan for its possible arrival
- Risks to livestock and other animals
- Information for veterinarians
If you suspect Bird Flu report three or more sick or dead birds to Biosecurity New Zealand’s Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline 0800 80 99 66,
Don’t handle sick or dead birds.
