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Avian Bird Flu HPAI

Avian influenza (bird flu) is a viral disease of birds found globally. It has not yet been detected in New Zealand.

As part of surveillance efforts, please report sightings of three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group to Biosecurity New Zealand's Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

What to do if you see bird flu

Nelson landowners, environment contractors, and the wider community all play a vital role in spotting early signs of bird flu (HPAI – high pathogenicity avian influenza) to help protect our region.

If you come across three or more sick or dead wild birds together – for example, along the shores of Tāhunanui Beach or near the Boulder Bank – please report it straight away to the Biosecurity NZ's exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

Try to provide as much detail as you can, including the exact location, photos, if possible, the bird species, and any visible symptoms. Avoid touching or moving the birds; trained response teams will handle the situation safely and humanely.

While the risk to New Zealand and Nelson remains low, the Ministry for Primary Industries, together with the Department of Conservation, Te Whatu Ora, and Nelson’s biosecurity experts run surveillance programmes, including testing of wild birds.

Nelson’s unique environment is home to important native birds and marine mammals, making vigilance essential to protect our wildlife and farming community.

Add the exotic pest and disease hotline to your contacts now and help the team safeguard Nelson’s environment and agriculture from bird flu.

The risk of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI strain H5N1)), commonly known as bird flu, reaching New Zealand remains low. However, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is closely monitoring the situation internationally and has implemented measures to prepare for a potential outbreak.

Preparations to date:

  • Surveillance: MPI has established a robust surveillance program to detect any signs of the virus in both domestic and wild birds.
  • Biosecurity Measures: Strict biosecurity protocols are in place at the border to prevent the introduction of the virus.
  • Contingency Planning: MPI has developed comprehensive response plans to manage an outbreak, including measures to contain the spread and minimize the impact on the poultry industry.
  • Public Awareness: Information campaigns are underway to educate the public about the disease and the importance of reporting sick or dead birds.

Advice for Nelson residents:

  • Report sick or dead birds: If you find three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to Biosecurity New Zealand's Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
  • Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling birds or bird-related materials.
  • Avoid contact with sick or dead birds: Do not touch or handle sick or dead birds.
  • Keep poultry flocks healthy: Maintain good biosecurity practices on your property to protect your poultry from disease.

The most obvious sign of HPAI is rapidly increasing, unexplained mortality. Look out for high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI). (pdf 1.7 MB)

Avian influenza – also known as bird flu - is a viral disease of birds found globally. Virus strains are described as low pathogenicity (LPAI) or high pathogenicity (HPAI). Read more - H7N6 strain of avian influenza detected in commercial poultry. (pdf 509 KB)

For the latest information and updates

Monitoring of bird populations is part of DOC’s core work. We encourage anyone who sees three or more dead or dying birds, marine mammals or other wildlife to report it to Biosecurity New Zealand: 0800 80 99 66.


Further information

Contact biosecurity@ncc.govt.nz.

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