What we're doing to protect our native species against H5N1
New Zealand has never had a case of the H5N1 strain of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu. However, the H5N1 strain that is spreading around the globe could arrive here through wild birds.
A different strain of avian influenza, H7N6, was detected at an Otago egg farm in December 2024. Based on overseas evidence, it is highly unlikely that this strain will impact native species.
The H5N1 strain of bird flu has adapted to wildlife and has caused high numbers of deaths in wild birds overseas. It can also be transmitted – referred to as 'spillover' – to mammals, including people.
Protecting our native birds and other native species is a key focus of the work to prepare for HPAI.
New Zealand has strong systems in place to ensure early detection if the H5N1 strain does arrive here. The Department of Conservation is leading work to mitigate risks to threatened species on public conservation land.
If HPAI H5N1 arrives in New Zealand and spreads in the wild bird population, it won’t be possible to eradicate it from wild birds and management options will be limited.
The focus will be on minimising spread on public conservation land through strong biosecurity practices and supporting the health and resilience of threatened bird populations through conservation work such as breeding and predator control programmes.
About avian influenza and the risk to New Zealand
Vaccine trial to protect threatened species
For a few species, using vaccination might be an effective tool during outbreaks to protect a core breeding population and prevent species extinction.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is doing a safety and efficacy trial on small numbers of 5 native bird species using Poulvac Flufend, a vaccine that can protect against HPAI H5N1.
MPI approved the vaccine trial, which is being conducted by DOC veterinarians under strictly controlled conditions. The vaccine contains inactivated (dead) virus, meaning it can't cause infections with avian influenza.
The species involved in the trial are kakī (black stilt), takahē, kākāpō, tūturuatu (shore plover) and the red-crowned kākāriki (as a surrogate species for kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted kākāriki).
It won’t be possible to vaccinate all our endangered birds, so the focus is on those species in captivity where the full 2 doses of vaccine can be given.
What to do if you find sick or dead birds
The most obvious sign of HPAI is sudden death in several birds. Other signs can include weakness, tremors, paralysis, difficulty breathing, lack of co-ordination, blindness, trembling, and diarrhoea.
If you see 3 or more sick or dead poultry 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:
- a GPS reading or other precise location information
- photographs and videos of sick and dead birds
- species name and estimate of the numbers affected
- how many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number of birds present.
We will note the details and one of our specialist biosecurity investigators will assess the information and contact you.
How to report suspected bird flu [PDF, 700 KB]
Resources
Avian influenza – World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
Avian influenza and other wildlife diseases – Department of Conservation (DOC)
