MPI media release updates
Government media releases
17 July 2026: Bird flu work steps up, second case confirmed – Beehive
15 July 2026: H5 bird flu confirmed in New Zealand – Beehive
Photos of lab staff and surveillance officers
Media outlets can use these pictures in news stories about bird flu. If you have any questions about the pictures, email media@mpi.govt.nz
All the photos were taken during laboratory testing in Wellington in late June and early July.
Staff at the MPI Animal Health Laboratory
Getting samples from birds for testing [JPG, 7.3 MB]
Surveillance sample testing [JPG, 7.1 MB]
MPI H5 educational bird flu videos on YouTube
Learn more about bird flu (2.07)
A guide for backyard poultry owners (3.56)
Protecting wildlife from bird flu: know what to do (2.39)
Background information
More information about H5 bird flu and the work New Zealand is doing to prepare
Information about our bird flu awareness campaign for backyard bird owners and outdoor users