Surveillance and planning for HPAI (bird flu)

Avian influenza monitoring

New Zealand has never had a case of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI). But we've been closely monitoring its movement around the world for more than 20 years.

Overseas, the H5N1 strain has been spreading around the world through the movement of wild birds. It was detected on the Antarctic Peninsula below South America in February 2024. As information emerges about the distribution of HPAI H5N1 disease in Antarctica, we’ll have a better understanding about the likelihood of it reaching New Zealand through wild bird movements. We can’t stop wild birds with HPAI from coming to New Zealand but early detection and strong biosecurity can help to limit the impact of this disease if gets here.

We have many systems in place to prevent HPAI entering New Zealand on those pathways that can be managed, and to ensure early detection if it does arrive. For example, visitors to New Zealand must declare if they have visited a poultry farm or other at-risk area, and there are tough import requirements on risk commodities that could be contaminated with HPAI such as poultry, meat, eggs, and egg powders. So the likelihood of it being introduced to New Zealand on pathways that we manage is low.

Preparing for the arrival of the disease is a group effort

We know from the experience overseas that a 'One Health' approach to this disease is essential. That's why the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the Department of Conservation (DOC), the Ministry of Health, and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora are working together to prepare for HPAI if it arrives here.

MPI is also working closely with the poultry industry to strengthen on-farm biosecurity and resilience. Our aim is to reduce the impact on the sector and ensure the domestic supply of poultry meat and eggs.

We're learning from others about their experiences with avian influenza

We are actively monitoring disease spread, particularly towards the Ross Sea region in Antarctica and globally. We’re talking regularly with colleagues around the world so we can learn:

as much as we can about how the disease is behaving as it spreads
what other countries are doing to manage the disease.

Following the detection of HPAI H5N1 in dairy herds in the US in March 2024, we are keeping a close eye on both the United States Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for any new developments with this disease. We are in regular contact with the US Chief Veterinary Officer.

Systems are in place to detect HPAI early

Early detection will be key to responding effectively and managing any impacts on biodiversity, agriculture, and trade.

Systems in place to ensure early detection of HPAI, or prevent entry through our managed pathways, include:

the Exotic Pests and Disease Hotline for reporting suspected cases (0800 809 966)
annual sampling and testing programme at non-migratory waterfowl sites with Fish & Game New Zealand
monitoring and awareness with New Zealand's wildlife hospitals, poultry industry groups, veterinarians, and wildlife rehabilitation centres
working with DOC on any suspected exotic diseases in wild bird populations, including native birds
working with the Ministry of Health on any suspect human cases of HPAI
support and collaboration with World Organisation for Animal Health and international partners in avian influenza working groups
biosecurity border checks for travellers coming into New Zealand who have had contact with poultry or wild birds, and for risk items and cargo.

The 'One Health' approach towards avian influenza

If HPAI is detected in New Zealand or its territories, MPI will be the lead agency and will coordinate any response in partnership with the Department of Conservation (DOC), the Ministry of Health, and Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora).

Our readiness and response planning aims to:

represent the best approach for New Zealand to protect our unique native species
mitigate the impact on primary sectors, particularly the poultry sector, to maintain food supply
support sectors to report and contain spread
protect human health.

DOC is developing plans to mitigate risks to threatened species should HPAI arrive in New Zealand, including actions to enhance detection, reduce spread and protect threatened species.

Health agencies are leading the management of any risks to human health and the development of health and safety for people who work in close contact with birds. The risk to human health is assessed as low.

How we're getting ready

Our extensive planning for a possible outbreak here includes a wide range of considerations from surveillance to movement controls and vaccination, strong biosecurity measures and practices, alongside protecting native bird populations, commercial poultry, and human health.

We are learning a lot from the experience of the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. However, we need to consider what will work best in the New Zealand context.

Readiness for unwanted pests and diseases is a key part of what MPI does. HPAI is just one of several pests and diseases that we have active surveillance and readiness plans in place for, should they be detected here. Others include foot and mouth disease and the brown marmorated stink bug.

Look out for signs of HPAI

The most obvious sign of HPAI is sudden death in several birds. Other signs in birds can include weakness, tremors, paralysis, difficulty breathing, lack of co-ordination, blindness, trembling, and diarrhoea.

Do not handle sick or dead birds.

What to do if you find sick or dead birds

If you see 3 or more sick or dead birds in a group, report it immediately to the 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
photographs and/or videos of sick and dead birds
species identity and estimate of numbers affected
note how many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number present.

Biosecurity New Zealand will take details and an incursion investigator will be in contact with you. Follow Biosecurity New Zealand’s instructions for handling sick or dead birds.