H5N1 bird flu found in New Zealand

16 July 2026

Below is an update from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) confirming a single case of bird flu in New Zealand. 

Veterinarians should use their judgment when deciding to examine wild or unowned sick birds that may be infected with high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI). There is an expectation in the Code to respond to situations where animal welfare is compromised but we don’t expect vets or practices to put people in harms way. Where a practice doesn’t feel able to manage risks, it is acceptable to refuse to see wild birds. Official advice to the public is to leave sick birds where they are. MPI has resources that practices can send to their clients to remind them of this.

The Vet Council has also worked with MPI to publish guidance for veterinarians managing sick or dead wild birds presented to them by members of the public. The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) has also prepared guidance, available here. 

Additional resources are also included after the update from MPI.

H5N1 2.3.4.4b confirmed detection in single bird in NZ

MPI Animal Health Laboratory testing has confirmed the bird has the H5 bird flu strain (H5N1 avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4b) that has been circulating globally. This is the first detection of this significant avian influenza strain in New Zealand.  

The bird is an individual ocean-going seabird and there is no evidence of mass wildlife deaths or transmission between wild birds in New Zealand. There has been no detection in poultry. The brown skua was found by a member of the public on 10 July and MPI was notified. The bird was taken to Wellington Zoo for assessment, and it is still being held in secure isolation. There is no evidence that the virus has spread beyond this individual seabird, but we are asking the community to be alert and report any sick or dead birds and animals.

Australia has recently experienced finds of single birds with H5 bird flu in coastal areas and we may see a similar pattern here. Our response is designed to manage the risks of H5 bird flu, to protect poultry production, and reduce impacts on wildlife and communities. 

H5 bird flu is a low health risk to the public as it rarely affects humans unless there is direct and close contact with significant numbers of sick birds. Eggs and poultry meat remain safe to eat. 

MPI, DOC, the Ministry of Health, and Health New Zealand have been working together with the poultry and egg industry and local councils preparing for this scenario for several years, monitoring the global movement of H5 and readying for its possible arrival here. 

While there are no detections in commercial poultry and egg production, producers are being reminded that on-farm biosecurity practices are vital to protect their flocks.

Our advice to the public is: 

Keep your distance. Stay away from sick or dead wildlife. Keep pets away too.

Keep clean. Wash your hands and clean your gear after being outdoors.

Know when to report. If you see three or more sick or dead birds or wildlife, report them to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66. Provide as much information as possible, including:

  • a GPS reading or other precise location information

  • photographs and videos of sick and dead birds

  • how many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number of birds present

  • Common name of affected bird/s.

 Commercial poultry operators are advised to contact their vet.

Resources and information

More information about H5N1 bird flu is available at mpi.govt.nz/HPAI

A range of resources is available on MPI's website about bird flu for how different people/groups can prepare in case it arrives here. These include:

MPI also has these videos:

Commercial poultry owners are encouraged to visit birdflu.pianz.org.nz. This site provides all the information the poultry industry needs to prepare for and manage H5N1 and other exotic diseases.