New Zealanders are being asked to be alert after two birds returned confirmed positive tests for H5N1 Avian Influenza (H5 bird flu): a brown skua found on Petone Beach, Wellington, on 15 July, and a native kāhu (swamp harrier hawk) found in the Wairarapa, confirmed on 17 July.

These are the first two detections of H5 bird flu in New Zealand, and the kāhu the first native bird to test positive for the virus.

The situation is being closely monitored by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the Department of Conservation, with response actions stepped up in the Wellington and Wairarapa regions. There has been no detection in poultry, and at this stage there is no evidence of any mass mortality in wildlife.

MPI is the lead agency for the national H5 bird flu response.

At the regional council, ORC's role is to facilitate coordination and information flow across Otago — between central government, district councils, iwi, and key stakeholders — provide consistent advice to landowners and the community and manage response on regional council-owned or managed land, including monitoring and mitigating any adverse effects on natural resources under our RMA responsibilities.

ORC has a preparedness plan which will activate if a case is detected in the region. The plan also supports councils across the Otago region to prepare for and respond to occurrences of H5 bird flu. It sets out the roles and responsibilities of the regional council and territorial local authorities, provides guidance on prioritising high-risk sites, outlines best-practice response measures, and supports effective communication and community engagement. The plan contributes to a coordinated national approach.

Portfolio lead Cr Andrew Noone says, “We have had some time to think about the best way to prepare for this, but this doesn’t mean bird flu arriving in Otago won’t be concerning for us all, especially as it may significantly impact upon our native species, and on the poultry industry.”

We couldn’t prevent wild birds from bringing this virus here, but we can work together to limit its impact. People should be alert and follow advice about reporting sick or dead birds. It is vital that people do not touch or handle unwell birds.

One of the most noticeable signs of bird flu is the swift death of multiple birds in a group.

It is important to report any sick or dead birds found in a group of three or more to MPI on 0800 80 99 66 or online at report.mpi.govt.nz.

MPI is continuing its existing wider surveillance programme and working closely with industry, veterinarians, and wildlife carers.

New Zealanders are being asked to be alert, and to use good habits to limit the impact of H5 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 wildlife, report them to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966 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.   Provide as much detail as you can.

The focus is on tracking how H5 bird flu is moving around New Zealand. This information will help protect our poultry industry and support DOC's work to safeguard native wildlife.

Ongoing surveillance and testing will help build a clearer picture of where the disease is and how it is spreading.

MPI assesses reports using internationally recognised H5 bird flu risk criteria. Priority is given to reports involving:

• multiple sick or dead birds
• higher-risk species, such as seabirds and waterfowl
• birds that gather in large groups
• locations where the risk of spread is higher.

Experience overseas shows this targeted approach provides a faster and more accurate understanding of H5 bird flu spread than investigating isolated bird deaths or species that are less likely to pose an immediate risk.

More information about H5 bird flu and the work New Zealand is doing to prepare is available at mpi.govt.nz/hpai. 

The public are incredibly important when it comes to reporting, and we thank people for their support.

New Zealand is taking a One Health approach to H5 bird flu. This approach involves central government agencies working together with industry, local government, iwi and hapū, community groups, and other key stakeholders to prepare for and respond to its arrival here.

Preparations for a possible H5 bird flu outbreak focus on reducing the impact on threatened species and on the poultry sector; maintaining supply of poultry meat and eggs to the domestic market; maintaining international market access where possible; and protecting human health.

More information about the One Health response is available here.