Avian influenza: staying safe and alert when outdoors

Look out for bird flu

New Zealand has never had a case of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, but H5N1 2.3.4.4b – the strain that is spreading around the globe – could arrive here through wild birds.

Look out for signs of HPAI H5N1 when you’re outdoors and know what to do to avoid spreading it.

Be alert for updates from MPI or the Department of Conservation about HPAI.

Signs of HPAI

The most obvious sign of HPAI H5N1 in wild birds is several sick or dead birds. Other signs, especially in waterfowl, can include drowsiness, lack of coordination, and an inability to fly.

How to protect yourself and prevent possible spread

Although avian influenza viruses rarely infect people, it is important to minimise your risk by avoiding sick or dying birds and practicing good hygiene if handling wild birds – both to protect yourself and to prevent spreading the virus.

If you are tramping, camping, hunting, walking dogs near bird colonies, or anywhere you might be exposed to wild birds or marine mammals, keep your distance and maintain good hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and running water or use alcohol hand rubs as frequently, thoroughly, and often as possible. This is especially important before and after contact with animals and their environments.

Do not touch, handle or collect any dead or dying birds. Leave these alone to prevent disease spread and protect human health. Ensure children and dogs don’t touch them either.

Advice for hunters

New Zealand Food Safety's advice on food safety for hunters applies but in particular:

don't harvest or handle wild birds (or their feathers) if they are obviously sick or found dead
wash and dry your hands after handling or dressing wild birds
don't eat, drink or put anything in your mouth while handling or cleaning harvested birds
wash knives and other utensils, and scrub chopping boards between preparation of raw and cooked foods
keep raw meat and poultry covered and away from ready-to-eat food, fruit, and vegetables
cook birds well – an internal temperature of at least 73°C for at least 2 to 3 minutes is needed to kill bacteria and viruses
scrub and disinfect all boots and equipment between hunting sites
after each hunting trip, wash, or hose down any clothes that have been in direct contact with birds.

This page will be updated with specific information for hunters if HPAI arrives here.

Food safety for hunters

Culling wild birds can increase disease spread

Hunters and farmers are advised to not actively cull or disperse wild birds, because this can increase the spread of HPAI.

Disturbing groups of wild birds might cause them to scatter and spread the disease further. Other birds will quickly move into the vacated space and may bring the virus with them.

Birds in your garden

If you attract wild birds to your garden, keep an eye out for signs of HPAI H5N1 and make sure you wash and dry your hands after filling bird feeders or clearing bird droppings.

If the virus does arrive in New Zealand, you may need to take further precautions, particularly if you have poultry or other animals on your property.

Protecting domestic poultry and birds

What to do if you find sick or dead birds

If you see 3 or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 so we can investigate the cause. Do not handle or move the birds.

Provide as much detail as you can, including: