MPI media release
Government media release
15 July 2026: H5 bird flu confirmed in New Zealand – Beehive
Generic video footage
Media outlets can use footage from these videos in news stories about bird flu. If you have any questions about these b-roll videos, email media@mpi.govt.nz
MPI surveillance officer on a Wellington beach (recorded on 30 June 2026) – Vimeo
MPI Wellington lab staff analysing samples (recorded on 1 July 2026) – Vimeo
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 routine surveillance and 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]
Routine field surveillance and gathering samples
None of these pictures involve any birds that tested positive for H5 bird flu.
Dead bird sampling [JPG, 20 MB]
Labelling a sample tube [JPG, 16 MB]
MPI incursion investigator at work [JPG, 11 MB]
Taking a swab from a dead bird [JPG, 11 MB]
Taking a swab from a dead bird (closer view) [JPG, 21 MB]
Preparing to take a sample from a dead bird [JPG, 23 MB]
MPI H5 educational bird flu videos on YouTube
Learn more about bird flu (2.12)
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