Read the latest updates from MPI about work to prepare for bird flu
Issue 7, 9 July 2026
What do H5 bird flu detections in Australia mean for New Zealand?
Recent detections of H5 bird flu in Australia underscore the importance of New Zealand’s preparedness.
New Zealand has never had a case of H5 bird flu, but we have been closely monitoring its movement and are actively preparing for its possible arrival. We are watching the situation in Australia closely and remain in close contact with authorities there.
Mary Van Andel, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Chief Veterinary Officer, explains what the Australian detections mean for us here in New Zealand.
“At the moment, the cases of H5 in Australia are all in ocean-going seabirds, and there are no reports that it is being transmitted among birds there. These ocean-going birds can travel very long distances and live mostly out at sea rather than living at the coast or on land.
“These detections do not immediately increase the risk of birds bringing the virus from Australia to New Zealand. Rather these detections tell us something about how the disease has spread across the Southern Ocean ecosystem in these ocean-going bird populations.
“That risk might increase if H5 bird flu was to spread in Australian bird populations but will depend on where it spreads and how quickly. There are a large number of bird movements throughout the year between Australia and New Zealand, and these include the pelagic (ocean-going) seabirds, migratory waders, trans-Tasman seabirds and waterfowl.
"While the arrival of the virus cannot be ruled out, it is not possible to put an exact probability or timeframe on when it might arrive. If H5 bird flu reaches New Zealand's wild bird population, overseas experience suggests it could spread among susceptible species and would be difficult to eradicate from wild birds.
“Since the detection in Australia, MPI and the Department of Conservation (DOC) have noticed an increase in notifications through the exotic pest and disease hotline of seabird species that move between Australia, New Zealand and the Southern Ocean. This includes Southern Ocean seabird species linked to the Australian detections, such as brown skuas and giant petrels. Important species for New Zealand include migratory waders, Southern Ocean seabirds and trans-Tasman seabirds.
"We continue to encourage the public to keep an eye out and to call the 0800 hotline (0800 80 99 66) if they see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group. Don’t move or handle the birds.
"We have noticed an uptick in reports to the 0800 number since the detections in Australia. All that we have tested to date have been negative for bird flu.
How should we respond?
What’s important is that our focus on preparedness continues – it takes all of us to be prepared for the arrival of a virus when we can’t control its spread.
Since the H5N1 wildlife-adapted strain of bird flu started spreading around the world, New Zealand’s geographical isolation has protected us and given us time to prepare.
MPI, DOC, the Ministry of Health, and Health New Zealand have been working together with industry and local councils to get ready.
We have a range of resources on our website about bird flu, and how different people/groups can get ready in case it arrives here. These include:
Information for people spending time outdoors
Information for game bird hunters
How to report suspected bird flu
We also have these videos:
Learn more about bird flu – animation
Advice for backyard poultry owners
Commercial poultry owners are encouraged to visit birdflu.pianz.org.nz – a one-stop-shop for all the information the poultry industry needs to prepare for and manage H5N1 and other exotic diseases.
Don't let bird flu take flight campaign
MPI’s don’t let bird flu take flight awareness campaign targets pet birds and poultry owners, as well as people heading outdoors such as duck hunters, trampers, and bird watchers. These are key groups that can act now in ways that will make a difference if bird flu arrives here.
Backyard bird owners are being encouraged to take steps now to protect their birds. Advice to bird owners includes three key actions:
- Watch. Look for signs of illness in your birds and contact your vet if concerned.
- Separate. Prevent contact between your birds and wild birds.
- Scrub. Clean your boots, gear, surfaces and hands often.
The backyard bird owner awareness campaign is currently live online. Earlier in the year there were adverts on rural radio, and in rural supply stores across the motu.
People who spend time outdoors – doing activities such as tramping, duck hunting, and bird watching – are being encouraged to form habits to protect wildlife if bird flu arrives here. These are:
- Keep your distance. Stay away from sick or dead wildlife.
- Keep clean. Clean your gear between wildlife spots.
- Know when to report. If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds, marine mammals or other wildlife, report it.
The outdoor campaign is running online and in targeted locations such as wetland and walking track access points.
Campaign audiences are being encouraged to visit mpi.govt.nz/bird-flu for more information.
DOC to vaccinate at risk birds against bird flu
DOC has begun vaccinating some of New Zealand’s most threatened bird species to protect them in case H5 bird flu arrives here.
Last year, DOC completed a world-first research trial on five native bird species that showed vaccination is safe and effective in these birds and will help protect them from bird flu.
Vaccination will begin with these five birds – kākāpō, takahē, tchūriwat’/tūturuatu/shore plover, kakī/black stilt and kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet.
About 300 core breeding birds from the five species will be vaccinated. These birds are in captivity or, in the case of kākāpō and takahē, on offshore islands.
MPI approved the vaccination plan for the five species and the release of the avian influenza vaccine for the programme to begin.
More information about DOC’s vaccination plan is available on their website.
Commercial poultry sector preparedness
MPI is continuing to work closely with the poultry industry to strengthen on-farm biosecurity and resilience, with the aim of ensuring the industry is prepared for H5 bird flu’s possible arrival.
In September 2025, a Government Industry Agreement (GIA) formally established the Poultry Council to oversee the delivery of a joint readiness work programme between MPI and industry.
This programme aims to minimise impacts on the poultry sector and safeguard New Zealand’s chicken and egg supply by improving poultry farm biosecurity and establishing acceptable practice standards to guide eradication on individual farms.
As part of this work, a website has been established which provides access to standards, guidelines and resources to support producers’ preparedness: https://birdflu.pianz.org.nz/
What you need to know about bird flu and human health
Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora and Ministry of Health are monitoring the recent H5 bird flu detections in Australia and have been working closely with One Health partners over the last few years to ensure New Zealand is prepared in the event of detections here.
Transmission of H5 bird flu from animals to humans is rare and has generally only occurred in people who have had a lot of contact with infected animals (or their faeces or other animal materials) without wearing adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). There is no evidence that H5 bird flu can spread easily between humans.
However, if H5 bird flu arrives in New Zealand, people who work with birds (and potentially other animals who can be infected), or who are involved with slaughter and disposal of infected animals are at risk.
Health New Zealand has developed HPAI workplace health and safety guidance for workplace managers and people who work with birds or other animals, outlining how people can protect their health in the context of H5 bird flu.
This guidance includes information on signs and symptoms of avian influenza, how to prepare for avian influenza now, what to do once avian influenza is detected in New Zealand, recommendations on PPE and other precautions, and what to do if a worker is exposed to H5 bird flu. The recommended precautions that should be taken depend on the level of risk (i.e., if H5 bird flu has been detected locally, or further away, and how closely workers are exposed to animals).
If H5 bird flu is detected in your local area, and you are working with animals that can be infected with HPAI then appropriate PPE is recommended. Detailed information about requirements, and instructions for wearing and removal is provided in the guidance.
General public health advice is also available here.
