What is bird flu?
Bird flu (or avian influenza) is a viral disease that primarily affects birds. The H5N1 strain spreads quickly and causes severe illness in birds. It has spread globally, primarily through migratory birds and caused mass mortality in wild birds and poultry in many countries. In some countries marine mammals such as seals have also been impacted. We couldn’t have prevented it from arriving as migratory birds naturally carry the virus across oceans.
What is bird flu?
Bird flu (or avian influenza) is a viral disease that primarily affects birds. The H5N1 strain spreads quickly and causes severe illness in birds. It has spread globally, primarily through migratory birds and caused mass mortality in wild birds and poultry in many countries. In some countries marine mammals such as seals have also been impacted. We couldn’t have prevented it from arriving as migratory birds naturally carry the virus across oceans.
What birds are most vulnerable to bird flu?
All birds can catch bird flu, but some are at higher risk:
- waterbirds like ducks, swans and geese
- shorebirds like plovers, dotterels and oystercatchers
- seabirds like gulls, terns, gannets and penguins
- birds of prey or scavengers like hawks
- poultry.
These birds are at higher risk because they gather in large groups, share habitats (such as breeding colonies or poultry farms) with many other birds, or may eat other infected birds. Aotearoa New Zealand's endangered seabirds and shorebirds are of particular concern because their populations are already small, making them more vulnerable.
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What is New Zealand doing about it?
MPI, the Department of Conservation (DOC), the Ministry of Health (MOH), and Health New Zealand have been working together with industry and local councils to get ready. The response is designed to:
- Reduce the impact on highly threatened native species (including vaccinations for a few).
- Reduce the impact on the commercial poultry sector.
- Maintain supply of poultry meat and eggs to the domestic market and access to overseas markets where possible.
- Protect human health.
Under a One Health approach, MPI is the lead agency supported by DOC, the MOH and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora.
What is Waikato Regional Council’s role?
Waikato Regional Council has contributed to the preparedness programme by providing advice and support from a regional sector perspective. We have also been working with all the local councils in our region to ensure they are prepared for HPAI H5N1 arriving in New Zealand.
Our role is primarily to help disseminate information and provide advice to the public. We will continue to work with the other agencies involved to determine any other support we can provide.
Report sick or dead birds and marine mammals
If you see three or more sick or dead birds or marine mammals, report it immediately to the MPI exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966.
Provide as much detail as you can, including:
- a GPS reading or other precise location information
- photos and videos
- the name of the affected species, if known
- how many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number present.
MPI will note the details and an incursion investigator will contact you.
How to protect yourself and prevent possible spread
Now that H5 bird flu has arrived in New Zealand, there is the potential for people to encounter dead and dying birds or marine mammals. People can contract H5 bird flu from handling infected birds and carcasses.
If you are exposed to sick or dead birds or marine mammals keep your distance and maintain good hygiene.
Do not touch, handle or collect any sick or dead birds or marine mammals. For more information see the guidance provided by Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora.