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As of 20th July 2026, two cases of the Avian Influenza highly infectious strain H5N1 has been found in Aotearoa New Zealand. Since a number of cases came to light in Australia, it was only a matter of time before it made its way here.

There has been a lot of media coverage recently but the main focal point for information is the Ministry of Primary Industries  (MPI) website and this should be consulted at all times for updated information. Below is a screenshot of the MPI webpage applicable to bird flu with links.

By way of comparison, to give an insight into the situation overseas a screenshot, again with links, is given to the DEFRA (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website in England. 

The following link to a recent article in New Zealand Geographic "Weekender"  gives details of some overseas events and the impact it can have on colony species.                                     
BRIEF REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

When reporting provide as much information as possible, including:

  • a GPS reading or other precise location information

  • photographs and videos of sick and dead birds

  • how many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number of birds present

  • Common name of affected bird/s.

  • Keep your distance - Stay away from sick or dead wildlife. Keep pets away too.

  • Keep clean. Wash your hands and clean your gear after being outdoors.

  • Know when to report. If you see three or more sick or dead birds or wildlife, (see below) report them to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

 

A bit more explanation of the 3 or more bird reference, or what you might expect to see:

1) It is for all classes of birds, domestic and wild.

2) It is more likely the three (or more) birds are in fairly close proximity, all relatively of the same decay age (freshly dead), and no other likely reason for them to be dead.

3) The symptoms are more than one clearly sick, diarrhea and more immobile than you'd expect.

4) There’s always the odd dead bird if you look, there’s only one testing lab so MPI are likely not wanting to create an expectation every bird will have someone go and pick up...limiting drop offs saves money and capacity from massive amounts of 'possibly bird flu’, and the thoughts are three would more likely be indicative of mass first introduction to a lethal flu. 

     About bird flu and the risk to Aotearoa New Zealand

About the disease, its spread, and the risk to New Zealand.

Last reviewed: 19.07.26

SITUATION UPDATE: 19 July 2026

New Zealand has 2 confirmed detections of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu). One in an ocean-going seabird from Petone beach, Wellington, and another, a kāhu, swamp harrier hawk, that was found near Carterton in the Wairarapa.

There is no evidence of any mass mortality in wildlife. There has been no detections in poultry. 

Chicken and eggs remain safe to eat and bird flu is a very low risk to human health.

New Zealand is well prepared to respond quickly to H5 bird flu.

Response and surveillance work continues to step up in close coordination with industry partners and others agencies.

In addition to New Zealand’s continuous bird flu surveillance and testing programme, additional work will include:

  • extra checking of birds and marine mammals at selected sites in coastal areas in Wellington and the Wairarapa over coming days

  • alongside industry, MPI will continue to offer one-on-one support and advice to poultry and egg operations in Wellington and the Wairarapa

  • establishing a technical advisory group of expert scientists to supplement advice from MPI’s internationally recognised experts.

The Department of Conservation will continue its vaccination programme for 300 core breeding birds from 5 of our most endangered birds – kākāpō, takahē, tūturuatu/shore plover, kakī/black stilt, and kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet.

Be alert and use good habits to limit the impact of bird flu

Keep your distance. Stay away from sick or dead wildlife. Keep pets away too.

Keep clean. Wash your hands and clean your gear after being outdoors.

Know when to report. 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 or online at report.mpi.govt.nz 

If you report online, select the ‘dead or dying wild birds’ option from the dropdown list and then the type of bird you have found. Don’t handle or move the birds.

Find out more about how you can limit the impact of bird flu in New Zealand

On this page

How is New Zealand responding to this detection?

New Zealanders are being asked to be alert after 2 confirmed detections this week of H5 bird flu in birds.

A kāhu, swamp harrier hawk, that was found near Carterton is the second bird confirmed with H5 bird flu following a brown skua seabird found on Petone Beach.

MPI is stepping up its work with our industry partners to support poultry and egg farmers, including extra testing and checking of birds, more one-on-one support for farmers, and the establishment of a technical advisory groups of experts of bird scientists to inform our work. 

This find shows our continuous surveillance programme is working as it should.

The Department of Conservation continues its vaccination programme for 300 core breeding birds from 5 of our most endangered birds – kākāpō, takahē, tūturuatu/shore plover, kakī/black stilt, and kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet.

DOC on alert after H5 bird flu detection – Department of Conservation 

MPI will continue its existing wider surveillance programme and work closely with industry, veterinarians, and wildlife carers. 

Over the past 12 months, through surveillance and monitoring activities in wild birds, around more than 2,500 wild birds and 12,500 commercial poultry were tested.  

What is bird flu?

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects birds. However, it can also spread to mammals – including people.

There are 2 main types of avian influenza:

  • high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), which can cause severe signs and high death rates in birds. There are a number of strains including H5, H7, and H9.

  • low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI), which typically causes few or no signs in birds but can possibly mutate to HPAI.

LPAI is present in wild birds in New Zealand. We have an active surveillance programme for LPAI and test around 2,000 samples from wild birds each year. LPAI causes few or no signs of illness in wild birds. However, when a low pathogenicity strain of avian influenza is introduced to chickens, it can mutate into a high pathogenicity strain.

Strains of HPAI have circulated globally for years. Many countries have seasonal outbreaks in poultry every year.

New Zealand has been monitoring the spread of HPAI globally for the past 20 years. Biosecurity New Zealand and our partners have surveillance programmes in place to detect the arrival of HPAI and other exotic diseases.

This animated video explains how bird flu is spreading, symptoms to look out for, and biosecurity measures that people can take to be ready.

Transcript – show/hide

Global spread of H5 bird flu

In 2020, H5 bird flu (H5N1 avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4b) emerged in the northern hemisphere. It established in wild birds and spread to the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, and other regions.

In 2023, it was detected in the southern hemisphere. Since then, it has spread through South America to the sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic peninsula.

In June 2026, Australia confirmed its first detection of H5 bird flu in an ocean-going sea bird in Western Australia.

Find out more about H5 bird flu detection in Australia

Bird flu (avian influenza) – Australian Government 

Why H5 bird flu is of concern

H5 bird flu can infect a much broader range of wild birds and spread across a larger geographical range than previous strains.

It can cause high numbers of deaths in poultry (chickens and turkeys), waterfowl (ducks, geese and swans), shorebirds (godwits, stilts and plovers), and seabirds (gulls and terns).

It has spilled over to more than 60 species of mammal, including marine mammals, companion animals, and livestock.

This strain of bird flu can spread by direct contact between infected and healthy birds, or through contamination of equipment and materials, including water and feed.

Risks to humans and animals

The risk to human health is low. It remains rare for humans to be infected with H5 bird flu. The disease is generally only found in people who have had a lot of close contact with infected birds or other infected animals. 

H5 bird flu is very unlikely to transmit from human to human. However, viruses can change over time, so it’s important that we remain vigilant.  

Overseas, some mammals, including dairy cattle in the United States, have been infected after contact with infected birds. With supportive care, infected cattle generally recover in 2 to 3 weeks.

In New Zealand, the risk of transmission from birds to cattle or other livestock is low. One reason for this is that our farming practices are very different from the US. However, we encourage all farmers to practice good on-farm biosecurity.

In rare cases, cats and dogs can get sick if they eat or interact with infected animals. To help protect your pets from bird flu:

  • prevent wild birds from accessing your pet’s food and water

  • don’t let pets eat or touch sick or dead animals

  • keep dogs on a leash, especially near wild birds

  • keep cats indoors

If your pet gets sick after interacting with wild birds, keep them away from children and other animals and contact your vet.

Commercial poultry flocks and avian influenza

Domestic poultry and birds and avian influenza

Wildlife and avian influenza

Avian influenza, food safety, and human health

Dairy and other livestock that may be affected by avian influenza

Signs of bird flu

The most obvious sign of bird flu is sudden death in several birds. Other signs in birds can include:

  • weakness and trembling

  • paralysis

  • breathing difficulties

  • lack of coordination

  • blindness

  • diarrhoea.

Poultry may show more severe signs than wild birds, including lethargy, loss of appetite, droopy head, darkened or swollen comb/wattle, panting, nasal discharge, unusual drop in egg production, and bleeding disorders.

Reporting bird flu

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 from anywhere in New Zealand, or online. If you report online, select the ‘dead or dying wild birds’ option from the dropdown list and then the type of bird you have found.

Online reporting form 

Don’t handle or move the birds.

Provide as much detail as you can, including:

  • common name or species of sick or dead bird if known

  • how many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number of birds present

  • a GPS reading or other precise location information

  • photographs and videos of sick and dead birds

  • MPI will contact notifiers if more information is required.

How to report suspected bird flu – Fact sheet [PDF, 643 KB]

​​

    Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England

Find out about the latest bird flu situation in England and guidance for bird keepers and the public.

From:

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency

Published:

4 November 2022

Last updated:

7 July 2026 — See all updates

Contents:

Take action to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading. Be vigilant for signs of disease and report it to keep your birds safe.

Check what zone you’re in on the bird flu disease zone map.

You must:

All bird flu cases and disease control zones

The first case of HPAI H5N1 of the 2025 to 2026 outbreak season was confirmed in:

  • England on 11 October 2025

  • Scotland on 12 November 2025

  • Wales on 25 October 2025

  • Northern Ireland on 9 October 2025

In line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules, the UK is no longer free from highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu).

Find details of all bird flu cases and disease zones in England.

2025 to 2026: summary of confirmed cases in the UK

HPAI H5N1 casesLPAI cases

England 791

Scotland 90

Wales 70

Northern Ireland 50

Total1001

Previous outbreak seasons: summary of confirmed cases in the UK

The season is recorded from 1 October to 30 September each year.

Outbreak seasonHPAI casesLPAI cases

2024 to 2025 821

2023 to 2024 60

2022 to 2023 2071

2021 to 2022 1580

Find details of previous bird flu cases and disease zones in England.

Find details of previous bird flu cases in Scotland, cases in Wales and cases in Northern Ireland.

Find details and assessments of past outbreaks in Great Britain in the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s outbreak epidemiology reports.

Bird flu guidance

Find out how to:

Find out when game birds are kept or wild and the rules you need to follow if you keep, release or catch them up.

You can read guidance about:

Bird gatherings

If you are not in a disease control zone (such as a protection zone or surveillance zone) in England, follow the conditions in the general licences for gatherings of poultry and other captive birds.

Read guidance on holding bird gatherings in England.

Vaccines

You cannot vaccinate poultry or most captive birds against bird flu in England.

You can only vaccinate zoo birds in England if you meet eligibility criteria and get authorisation from APHA. Only zoos or collections holding a current zoo licence can apply for vaccination.

Defra continues to invest in bird flu research and monitors the situation globally.

We work with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to monitor the development of vaccines for birds.

Find out more information on avian influenza (bird flu) vaccination and the work of the avian influenza vaccination taskforce.

Latest GOV.UK news stories

Risk levels and outbreak assessments

The risk of HPAI H5 in wild birds in Great Britain is assessed as low (event occurs rarely).

The risk of poultry exposure to HPAI H5 in Great Britain is assessed as:

  • low (event occurs rarely) (with low uncertainty) where there is suboptimal or poor biosecurity

  • low (event occurs rarely) (with low uncertainty) where stringent biosecurity is consistently applied at all times

Find details of the evidence that supported these decisions in the:

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advise that bird flu is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

Wild birds

Find out how to report dead wild birds.

Defra has set out practical information to support land managers, the public and ornithological and environmental organisations in their response to the growing threat of bird flu.

The mitigation strategy for avian influenza in wild birds in England and Wales explains how these groups, together with the government and its delivery partners, can reduce the impact on wild bird populations whilst protecting public health, the wider environment and the rural economy.

Landowners, local authorities and other organisations can download and print bird flu posters to display on site when there is a risk of bird flu or if bird flu has been detected in the area.

Check the:

You can find out more about:

Feeding wild birds

You can feed wild birds but always wash your hands with soap and water afterwards. Avoid areas that have premises where poultry or captive birds are kept. Wild birds can spread bird flu to captive birds.

If you’re in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) you cannot feed wild gamebirds within 500m of a premises with more than 500 poultry or captive birds. Check if you’re in a zone on the bird flu zone map and find out more in the guidance on rules if you keep game birds.

If you feed wild birds in your garden, read advice from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) to keep feeders and water baths clean. This will help to stop bird flu and other diseases spreading between different birds.

The UK Health Security Agency has said that the risk to the public from this bird flu strain is very low. It mainly affects birds.

Do not touch or move any dead or sick wild birds – find out how to report them.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water if you touch wild bird faeces or feathers. For more advice go to the NHS website.

Mammals

Avian influenza (bird flu) viruses can also infect wild and kept mammals. This is known as influenza of avian origin.

Find out how we monitor the risk of influenza of avian origin in wild mammals.

Check the:

Influenza of avian origin in mammals is notifiable in both wild and kept mammals. 

You must report it immediately if you examine or inspect any wild or kept mammal, or analyse samples from any wild or kept mammal or mammal carcase and: 

  • suspect the presence of influenza of avian origin 

  • detect evidence of influenza A virus or antibodies to influenza A virus 

Report it immediately by calling: 

  • 03000 200 301 if you’re in England 

  • 03003 038 268 if you’re in Wales 

  • your local Field Services Office if you’re in Scotland 

If you do not report it, you’re breaking the law.

Bird flu webinars

Whether you have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock, the avian influenza ‘stop the spread’ webinars explain what you can do to protect your birds.

Defra policies and contingency plans

Defra controls cases of bird flu by following the:

Bird flu legislation

The legislation in England includes:

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