Last reviewed: 16 July 2026

New Zealand has confirmed its first detection of the globally circulating H5N1 strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. The virus was detected in a brown skua seabird found on Petone Beach in Wellington.

While the risk to the general public remains low, the arrival of H5N1 highlights the importance of preparedness, strong biosecurity practices, and awareness across businesses, farms, wildlife sectors and communities.

Bird Flu in New Zealand: Quick Facts

Is bird flu currently in New Zealand?

Yes. On 15 July 2026, New Zealand confirmed its first detection of the H5N1 strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a brown skua seabird found on Petone Beach in Wellington.

Has bird flu spread to poultry in New Zealand?

No. At the time of writing, authorities have reported no detections of H5N1 in poultry and no evidence of spread beyond the single seabird detection.

Is bird flu a risk to people?

The public health risk remains low. Human infection is uncommon and typically requires direct, close and prolonged contact with infected birds or animals.

What should I do if I find sick or dead birds?

Do not touch or move them. If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report them immediately to MPI's Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

What Is Bird Flu?

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a viral disease that primarily affects birds. There are many strains of avian influenza, but the H5N1 strain currently circulating globally is considered one of the most significant because of its ability to spread among wild birds and cause severe disease in poultry and wildlife populations.

Since emerging internationally, H5N1 has caused major impacts on wild bird populations, commercial poultry operations and some mammal species around the world. The virus has now reached New Zealand after spreading through Europe, Asia, the Americas, Antarctica and most recently Australia.

New Zealand Has Now Recorded Its First H5N1 Detection

For several years, Biosecurity New Zealand, Health New Zealand, the Department of Conservation (DOC), the poultry industry and other stakeholders have been preparing for the arrival of H5N1.

That preparation became reality on 15 July 2026 when testing confirmed H5N1 in a brown skua found on Petone Beach. Authorities have advised that this remains a single detection and there is currently no evidence of wider spread within New Zealand.

Biosecurity New Zealand continues to monitor the situation closely through wildlife surveillance, poultry monitoring and public reporting systems.

What Does This Detection Mean?

The confirmation of H5N1 in New Zealand does not mean that there is currently a widespread outbreak.

According to authorities, this first detection involves a single ocean-going seabird. There is currently:

No evidence of mass mortality in wildlife
No evidence of transmission between wild birds in New Zealand
No detection in poultry flocks
No indication of increased risk to the public beyond existing guidance

However, international experience has shown that H5N1 can spread rapidly through wild bird populations once established, which is why surveillance, reporting and preparedness remain critical.

How Does Bird Flu Spread?

The H5N1 virus can spread through:

Direct contact with infected birds
Bird droppings (faeces)
Saliva and respiratory secretions
Contaminated feed and water
Contaminated equipment and vehicles
Contaminated footwear and clothing
Contact with infected carcasses

The virus can spread both directly between birds and indirectly through contaminated environments, making biosecurity controls an important defence against further transmission.

What Would Happen if Bird Flu Spreads Further?

If additional cases are identified, MPI will continue to lead New Zealand's response alongside DOC, Health New Zealand, the Ministry of Health, industry groups and local authorities.

Potential response measures may include:

Increased surveillance and testing
Enhanced biosecurity measures
Movement controls where appropriate
Monitoring of susceptible wildlife populations
Management actions to protect poultry production
Additional public health guidance

New Zealand has already developed response and preparedness plans designed to reduce impacts on wildlife, poultry production and communities.

What Businesses Can Do Now

Although this first detection is currently limited to a single wild bird, businesses should take the opportunity to review preparedness plans.

Review Biosecurity Procedures

Consider:

Restricting unnecessary access to sites
Reviewing cleaning and disinfection practices
Managing vehicle and equipment movements
Maintaining visitor records
Enhancing hand hygiene procedures
Reviewing pest and wildlife management plans

These measures can help reduce disease transmission risks and support broader biosecurity goals.

Train Workers

Workers should understand:

How bird flu spreads
Signs of illness in birds
Reporting requirements
Hygiene expectations
Safe handling procedures

Training and awareness are among the most effective ways to improve preparedness across a workplace.

PPE and Workplace Preparedness

Businesses involved in farming, poultry production, wildlife management, pest control, animal handling, conservation work, waste management or outdoor operations should review workplace protection measures and supply readiness.

Preparedness may include reviewing stock levels of:

PPE requirements should always be based on official guidance, workplace risk assessments and health and safety obligations.

Signs to Watch For

One of the key signs authorities are monitoring is the presence of multiple sick or dead birds in a single location.

Other warning signs may include:

Drowsiness
Lack of coordination
Difficulty standing
Inability to fly
Unusual behaviour
Birds allowing people to approach unusually closely

Help Monitor Bird Flu in New Zealand

Biosecurity New Zealand is asking the public to remain vigilant.

If you see:

Three or more sick wild birds in a group
Three or more dead wild birds in a group
Multiple dead seabirds, shorebirds or waterfowl
Unusual behaviour in wild birds

Report it immediately.

MPI Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline

0800 80 99 66

Do not touch, move or collect sick or dead birds.

If reporting a suspected case, provide as much information as possible, including:

Location details
Number of birds affected
Species if known
Photographs where safe to obtain

Keep children, pets and livestock away from affected wildlife.

Is Bird Flu a Human Health Threat?

Health authorities continue to assess the public health risk as low.

Human infections are rare and usually involve close, direct and prolonged contact with infected birds or other infected animals. There is currently no evidence of sustained person-to-person transmission.

Authorities have also advised that eggs, chicken and other poultry products remain safe to eat when properly handled and cooked.

Official New Zealand Resources

For the latest information and guidance, refer directly to official government sources:

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)

High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Information

Bird Flu Risk and Preparedness in New Zealand

About Avian Influenza and the Risk to New Zealand

Health New Zealand

Avian Influenza Health Information

Department of Conservation (DOC)

Wildlife Health and Avian Influenza

Reporting Suspected Bird Flu

MPI Guidance for Reporting Suspected Bird Flu

Being Prepared Is More Important Than Ever

The arrival of H5N1 in New Zealand marks an important milestone in the country's biosecurity journey. While the current situation remains limited to a single wild seabird detection, the experience overseas demonstrates how quickly bird flu can affect wildlife populations and poultry industries.

By staying informed, following official guidance, maintaining strong biosecurity practices and ensuring workplace readiness, businesses and communities can help reduce potential impacts should the situation evolve.

Now is an excellent time to review emergency response procedures, staff awareness, hygiene controls and PPE readiness to ensure your organisation can respond quickly and appropriately if circumstances change.

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