18/07/2026
Although not fire related, the attached information is important information for our community on the current risks of the bird flu spread and what we should do.
EXPLAINER: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI/H5N1) Confirmed In NZ
➡️ What This Means & Why You Should Care:
Variants of avian influenza i.e. ‘bird flu’ have existed for a long time, but the highly pathogenic strain making headlines now is more recent. HPAI/H5N1 is a severe viral disease which rapidly established itself across the Northern Hemisphere in 2020. The behaviour of this strain changed significantly, becoming much more contagious and lethal, resulting in mass outbreaks causing millions of deaths in wild and domestic bird populations, as well as mammals. Since its emergence, it has spread southward into South America, Antarctica, and recently to Australia. Today the first mainland case was confirmed in New Zealand in a migratory brown skua at Petone Beach, and subsequently in a harrier/kahu in the Wairarapa. Unfortunately it was only a matter of time until HPAI was detected in NZ. Whilst there is no evidence yet of further spread, the public is advised to be alert.
Moving forward increased vigilance needs to be applied, as more reported beach cast HPAI seabird cases are likely, with eventual spread into populations. Seabirds, waders and waterfowl are the most likely carriers spreading the virus, regarding migration. Transmission rates are very high where animals congregate, e.g. during breeding, feeding, moulting or roosting. In seabirds, colony nesting species (e.g. penguins, shearwaters, petrels, albatrosses, gulls, terns, etc) are most affected regarding close proximity. Spread is via direct contact with faeces, respiratory aerosols and ingestion of infected deceased animals (e.g. scavenging birds and mammals). Marine mammals such as seals, sea lions and dolphins have also suffered globally from HPAI.
The consequences for already endangered endemic species are catastrophic. New Zealand is already facing a biodiversity crisis, and 90% of NZ seabirds are threatened with extinction. In Kaikōura, a global seabird and marine mammal capital, the implications for wildlife will be devastating. We stand to lose unprecedented numbers of seabirds, fur seals and dolphins.
➡️ HPAI Signs In Wildlife:
Birds:
• Sudden increase in number of dead birds.
• Neurological signs: Loss of balance, incoordination, drooped wings, splayed or dragging legs, twisting of the head and neck, trembling, shaking, seizures, collapse (these can also be symptoms of starvation in regards to organ breakdown).
• Respiratory signs: Swollen head, closed eyes, abnormal eye appearance discharge from the eyes, open beak breathing, sneezing or coughing sounds, gurgling/ wheezing.
• Other signs: Loose watery droppings, soft tissue bruising on the legs and neck.
Seals, Sea Lions and Dolphins:
• Sudden increase in number of pinnipeds and cetaceans found dead.
• Drownings in shallow waters, beached or stranded animals, aborted young.
• Neurological signs: Tremors, convulsions, paralysis (floppy flippers).
• Respiratory signs: Difficulty breathing, discharge from the nose or mouth.
➡️ Vaccine:
• Currently a vaccine is approved for five critically endangered bird species which rely on intensive captive management and breeding programmes: Kākāpō, Takahē, Black Stilt/Kakī, NZ Shore Plover/Tūturuatu, and Orange-Fronted Parakeet/Kākāriki.
• Key factors limiting vaccine potential across a range of species is the ability to recapture wild birds for repeat vaccinations, and cost in relation to the vast number of vaccinations that would be required at scale.
➡️ How To Help:
• Once widespread, wildlife populations will be under immense survival pressure from HPAI, alongside existing human related threats.
• Keep away from vulnerable wildlife reserves and nesting sites. Ensure to give wildlife space to prevent additional stress in unwell animals.
• Continue to report non-symptomatic or injured native birds which require welfare assistance.
➡️ Reporting:
✅ HPAI is a notifiable disease — any suspicious mortality in wildlife must be reported to Biosecurity New Zealand's Exotic Pest and Disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66. If you notice any signs of HPAI in wildlife, notify MPI immediately regarding species, number of affected animals, locality, clinical signs, etc.
✅ Where possible, please take a photo or short video from a distance. This allows MPI, DOC, or wildlife rehabilitators to assess a bird's condition and behaviour while reducing the need for people to approach or handle directly.
✅ Keep your distance and do not handle wildlife, especially not sick or dead birds. Wash your hands thoroughly if you have had accidental contact with unwell wildlife.
✅ Many birds needing help will have injuries or illnesses unrelated to HPAI. Report non-symptomatic or injured native birds (e.g. vehicle strike/window strike/predation trauma, etc) to the DOC Hotline on 0800 362 468 for handover assistance.
➡️ HPAI & Domestic Animals:
Cats (and dogs) can contract the virus by hunting or consuming infected wild birds and raw poultry, or ingesting unpasteurized milk from infected dairy cattle. HPAI poses a significant threat to cats. Containing cats indoors, and leashing dogs on walks, can prevent access to sick or deceased wild birds.
HPAI severely impacts domestic birds, with MPI advising pet bird owners, backyard flock owners, and commercial poultry farms to maintain rigorous biosecurity measures. To protect birds from HPAI, implement stringent practices:
* Restrict Access: Prevent wild birds from entering coops, feeders and water sources, using netting or shade cloth. Keep caged pet birds indoors, or ensure wild birds cannot land or defecate on aviaries.
* Sanitation: Use dedicated footwear and clothing when entering poultry areas, and disinfect equipment regularly.
* Monitor Flocks: Look for sudden increases in mortality, respiratory distress, swelling, or drastic drops in egg production.
➡️ HPAI & Humans:
The risk to the general public remains low, please don't panic. In humans the HPAI mortality rate is associated with individuals who have had direct prolonged contact with infected birds or other sick animals, and/or are immune compromised. Preventing contact and utilising PPE is critical regarding biosecurity and hygiene measures when working with wildlife — to protect species, prevent human exposure and reduce the risk of transmission.
Protocols for those working with wildlife will be guided by MPI, DOC, WReNNZ, and District Response Plans. As the situation develops, wildlife rescues and wildlife hospitals may be required to limit or halt patient admittance initially, or admit low risk species only in the interim via increased triage procedures. Small resource-poor rescues with limited facilities regarding no ability to quarantine, may be unable to effectively safeguard wildlife carers nor patients, and operate in a reduced capacity in the near-term, compared to fully equipped wildlife hospitals. These decisions will not be made lightly regarding animal welfare.
Native birds need assistance for many reasons, and the occurrence of HPAI in the country should not be a reason to avoid seeking help. Thank you for helping to protect New Zealand's wildlife — by staying vigilant and working together, we can help detect and respond to HPAI while ensuring wildlife continues to receive care 🩵
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/h5-bird-flu-confirmed-new-zealand
https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/wildlife-health/avian-influenza/
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza
