Look out for avian influenza when you're enjoying the outdoors
New Zealand has never had a case of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI). The H5N1 strain of HPAI has caused high numbers of deaths in wild birds overseas, including shorebirds and seabirds. It can also spill over to mammals, including marine mammals and, in a small number of cases, humans.
The likelihood of the introduction of HPAI H5N1 on pathways that we manage is low. As information emerges about the distribution of the disease in Antarctica, there will be a better understanding about the likelihood of it reaching New Zealand through wild bird movements.
While there are many other possible causes of illness and death in wild birds, be aware of HPAI so you can minimise risks to yourselves and other animals if you encounter sick or dead birds.
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, you should always maintain good hygiene practices when handling wild birds.
Wash and dry your hands after handling wild birds, and don't eat, drink or put anything in your mouth while handling birds.
Do not touch, handle or collect any dead or dying birds. These should be left alone to prevent spread and to protect human health.
Report sick or dead birds to Biosecurity New Zealand.
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 that 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
- 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.
What to do if you find sick or dead birds
It's important to report findings of sick or dead birds so we can investigate the cause and minimise the risk of disease spread, if an exotic disease (new to New Zealand) is found.
If you see 3 or more sick or dead birds in a group, report it immediately to Biosecurity New Zealand's Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66. Do not handle the birds.
Provide as much detail to Biosecurity New Zealand as you can, including:
- a GPS reading or other precise location information
- photographs and/or videos of sick and dead birds
- species of affected birds
- note how many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number present.
Follow any instructions from Biosecurity New Zealand for handling of sick or dead birds.
Find out more about avian influenza in wildlife
Avian influenza information for game bird hunters – factsheet [PDF, 628 KB]
Avian influenza – World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
Avian influenza and other wildlife diseases – Department of Conservation (DOC)