Surveillance, planning and our One Health approach
The likelihood of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) being introduced to New Zealand on pathways that we manage is low. As information emerges about the distribution of HPAI H5N1 disease in Antarctica, we will have a better understanding about the likelihood of it reaching New Zealand through wild bird movements. Our neighbours, including Australia and the Pacific Islands, remain free from HPAI H5N1.
We are actively monitoring disease spread, particularly towards the Ross Sea region in Antarctica and globally. We’re talking regularly with colleagues around the world so we can learn as much as we can about how the disease is behaving as it spreads, and what other countries are doing to manage the disease.
Following the detection of HPAI H5N1 in dairy herds in the US in March 2024, we are keeping a close eye on both the United States Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for any new developments with this disease. We are in regular contact with the US Chief Veterinary Officer.
We are working closely with industry partners to support their preparedness, including the poultry industry, veterinarians, and our dairy farming industry.
Early detection
Early detection will be key to responding effectively and managing any impacts on biodiversity, agriculture, and trade. Systems in place to ensure early detection of HPAI, or prevent entry through our managed pathways, include:
- the Biosecurity New Zealand Exotic Pests and Disease Hotline for reporting suspected cases: 0800 80 99 66.
- annual sampling and testing programme at non-migratory waterfowl sites with Fish & Game New Zealand.
- monitoring and awareness with New Zealand's wildlife hospitals, poultry industry groups, veterinarians, and wildlife rehabilitation centres.
- working with DOC on any suspected exotic diseases in wild bird populations, including native birds.
- working with the Ministry of Health on any suspect human cases of HPAI.
- support and collaboration with World Organisation for Animal Health and international partners in avian influenza working groups.
- biosecurity border checks for travellers coming into New Zealand who have had contact with poultry and/or wild birds, and for risk items and cargo.
One Health approach
International experience has shown that a One Health approach to HPAI H5N1 essential. If HPAI is detected in New Zealand or its territories, Biosecurity New Zealand will be the lead agency and will coordinate any response in partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Ministry of Health.
Our readiness and response planning aims to:
- represent the best approach for New Zealand to protect our unique native species
- mitigate the impact on primary sectors, particularly the poultry sector, to maintain food supply
- support sectors to report and contain spread
- protect human health.
Readiness for unwanted pests and diseases is a key part of what MPI does. HPAI is just one of a number of pests and diseases that Biosecurity New Zealand has active surveillance and readiness plans in place for, should they be detected here. Others include foot and mouth disease and the brown marmorated stink bug.
What to look out for
The most obvious sign of HPAI is sudden death in several birds. Other signs in birds can include weakness, tremors, paralysis, difficulty breathing, lack of co-ordination, blindness, trembling and diarrhoea.
Do not handle sick or dead birds.
What if I find sick or dead birds?
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.
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 identity and estimate of numbers affected
- note how many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number present.
Biosecurity New Zealand will take details and an incursion investigator will be in contact with you. Follow Biosecurity New Zealand’s instructions for handling sick or dead birds.
Find out more about avian influenza
Avian influenza – World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
Avian influenza and other wildlife diseases – Department of Conservation (DOC)