Bird Flu: What to look for and what to do

New Zealand agencies prepared to respond.

MPI, DOC, the Ministry of Health, Health New Zealand, industry and local councils are preparing together. Bird Flu is likely to spread through wild bird populations and may not be possible to eradicate, so early reporting and good biosecurity are critical.

Current situation:

Bird flu (High pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b) has now been confirmed in New Zealand. This is the strain that has caused large outbreaks overseas in wild birds, poultry and some mammals.

What to look for

• Three or more sick or dead wild birds found together.
• Sudden deaths in a group of birds, especially seabirds, waterfowl, colony-nesting birds or raptors.
• Birds that appear weak, uncoordinated, unusually quiet, unable to fly or showing breathing or nervous-system signs.

If you find sick or dead wild birds

• Do not touch, move or collect the birds.
• Keep people, dogs and vehicles away from the area.
• Report three or more sick or dead wild birds immediately to Biosecurity New Zealand’s exotic pest and disease hotline: 0800 80 99 66.
• Provide the exact location, photos or video if safe to take, species if known, the number affected, and whether birds are sick, freshly dead or older carcasses.
• Clean footwear, clothing, hands and gear before leaving the area.

If bird flu arrives in New Zealand

• Expect a coordinated national response led by MPI, with DOC, health agencies, councils, iwi, hapū, industry and local communities involved.
• Follow official advice for any local closures, access restrictions, rāhui, site management measures or wildlife-handling instructions.
• Do not disturb wildlife, nests or colonies. Avoid areas where sick or dead birds are present.
• Use strong hygiene: clean boots, tyres, equipment and hands before and after visiting beaches, wetlands, reserves, farms or bird sites.
• Keep dogs on lead and away from sick or dead birds, carcasses, feathers and droppings.

For bird owners and poultry keepers

• Prevent contact between domestic birds and wild birds, including access to shared water, feed and droppings.
• Keep feed and water under cover and clean areas where birds are kept.
• Limit visitors, vehicles and equipment entering bird areas.
• Clean boots, gear, surfaces and hands often.
• Watch for illness in your birds and contact your veterinarian if you are concerned.
• Full advice for bird owners is available at www.mpi.govt.nz/bird-flu. 
• https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/66018-Bird-flu-and-protecting-your-birds-A5-booklet 

Wildlife and conservation impacts

DOC is preparing for possible impacts on public conservation land and threatened native species. Birds most at risk include colony-nesting seabirds, gulls, terns, gannets, waterfowl and raptors, as the virus spreads through close contact with secretions and faeces. 

DOC’s focus is to reduce spread through biosecurity, avoid disturbing wildlife, and support threatened bird populations through conservation work, including breeding, predator control and targeted protection planning.

Key message

We may not be able to stop H5N1 arriving with wild birds, but we can reduce its impact by reporting early, avoiding contact with sick or dead birds, keeping gear clean, protecting domestic birds from wild birds, and following official advice.

Useful contacts and information

1. Report sick or dead wild birds: Biosecurity New Zealand exotic pest and disease hotline, 0800 80 99 66.
2. DOC contact: contact your usual DOC contact or Tim Bamford, Terrestrial Biodiversity Director, on 027 569 7343 or tbamford@doc.govt.nz.
3. Official advice: MPI bird flu information and DOC avian influenza wildlife health guidance.
4. Avian influenza: staying safe and alert when outdoors | NZ Government