H5 bird flu confirmed in Wellington and the Wairarapa

Yesterday, the Minister for Biosecurity and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) confirmed a positive case of H5 bird flu in New Zealand and a case has since been found in a hawk in the Wairarapa.

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

More information is available here from Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.

Information about the detection and our response is available online at the Ministry for Primary Industries.

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 three or more sick or dead wildlife, report them to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966 or report online at report.mpi.govt.nz.

Where to find more information

How to report suspected bird flu

Guidance for dealing with sick or dead birds during an H5 bird flu outbreak

We are continuing to encourage commercial poultry owners to visit birdflu.pianz.org.nz for preparedness information.

We will post updates regularly as the situation evolves.