A cross-agency approach
New Zealand has been preparing for bird flu for several years. 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 with the poultry industry and local government on surveillance, planning, and response.
Over the past 12 months, through surveillance and monitoring activities in wild birds, more than 2,500 wild birds and 12,500 commercial poultry were screened. At present, we are testing birds every few days through reports and targeted wildlife surveillance.
Because wild birds spread the virus, our response to H5 bird flu will be different to a traditional biosecurity response where the aim is to contain and eradicate a pest or disease.
We have developed a guide to outline how New Zealand will prepare and respond to H5 bird flu, including the intended long-term approach.
One Health approach for HPAI H5N1 [PDF, 6.9 MB]
Our planning aims to:
- reduce the impact on native species
- maintain supply of poultry meat and eggs to the domestic market and maintain access to overseas markets where possible
- reduce the impact on the commercial poultry industry
- protect human health.
Early detection is crucial
Early detection is crucial to manage the impact of H5 bird flu on biodiversity, food supplies, and trade.
New Zealand has been closely monitoring the global spread of the disease, particularly in Australia and near the Ross Sea region in Antarctica. The first New Zealand case of bird flu was confirmed on 15 July 2026.
There are many measures in place to ensure detection of H5 bird flu in New Zealand:
- The exotic pest and disease hotline for reporting suspected cases – 0800 80 99 66.
- 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, bird owners, veterinarians, and wildlife rehabilitation centres. This includes contracts with wildlife hospitals to test wild birds for H5 bird flu, as part of our enhanced surveillance.
- 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 H5 bird flu.
- Support and collaboration with the 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.
- Sampling kits have been distributed to people working in remote parts of New Zealand and the Antarctic region to support the investigation of concerning bird deaths.
Strong biosecurity is essential
Although we can’t control the movement of wild birds, rigorous on-farm biosecurity will help protect individual farms from infection and limit the impacts of H5 bird flu.
MPI is working closely with the poultry industry to ensure the farmers, growers, and other industry participants are prepared.
This work includes supporting farmers and growers to have robust on-farm biosecurity plans in place and developing a long-term approach to managing the virus.
Commercial poultry and avian influenza
In August 2025, the Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand and the Egg Producers Federation signed an operational agreement with the government about how we’ll jointly prepare for and respond to exotic poultry diseases, including H5 bird flu.
Media release: Agreement signed on poultry biosecurity – Beehive
MPI continues to work with Te Uru Kahika – Regional and Unitary Councils Aotearoa to build local government H5 bird flu preparedness.
We also engage regularly with experts around the world to learn about bird flu and how other countries are managing it.
Other information about avian influenza
Avian influenza – World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)
Bird flu (avian influenza) – Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Bird flu (avian influenza) latest situation in England – UK Government
Avian influenza and other wildlife diseases – Department of Conservation (DOC)
Highly pathogenic avian influenza – Health New Zealand
Bird flu and diseases – Poultry Industry Association New Zealand