Protecting our native species from avian influenza

[Throughout this video, Mary van Andel (the Ministry for Primary Industries' chief veterinary officer) is talking directly to camera in an office setting. Wellington harbour can be seen out the window in the background, as well as a large yellow crane on a building site.]

[Music plays with birdsong in the background. A kākā is seen moving amongst some tree branches.]

"Kia ora, I’m Mary van Andel, the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Chief Veterinary Officer.

[Mary’s name and title, ‘Mary van Andel, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry for Primary Industries’ is on screen, bottom left.]

Bird flu — or high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N1 — has spread widely around the world but hasn’t reached New Zealand.

[The words ‘High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza H5N1’ appear on screen as Mary says these words.]

We’re getting prepared, just in case it does arrive here.

[Shot of four gulls on a large rocky outcrop in the ocean.]

In this video, I’ll share how you can help protect wild birds, especially our precious native species.

[Scene of two black stilts wading through water then a cut to takahe foraging in the grass. The scene then cuts to two albatrosses in the grass.]

[The words ‘About bird flu’ appear on screen in an orange text box.]

Overseas, bird flu has affected birds that congregate to feed and rest, or breed in colonies — like swans, geese, ducks, gulls, gannets, terns, and other shorebirds and seabirds.

[Footage is shown of two ducks sleeping in the grass, a pied shag sitting on a rock surrounded by ocean,and a small flock of seagulls congregrating on a pebbly shore. One of the seagulls is flapping its wings.]

Bird flu can also affect mammals that congregate with these birds, like seals and sealions.

[A seal is seen sunbathing on a rock next to the ocean.]

Birds of prey and mammals, including pets, can also become infected through eating sick or dead wildlife.

[A grey cat stands in the grass with a watchful expression and then a small bird is seen hopping on tree branches.]

[The words ‘Signs of bird flu in wild birds’ appear on screen in an orange text box.]

The Department of Conservation and local councils, with support from the Ministry of Health and Health NZ are already preparing for bird flu.

[A black duck is seen swimming in freshwater, followed by kākā touching beaks.]

We don’t yet know how it will impact our native wildlife, but early detection is important to help protect them.

[Footage of a tui singing in a tree and then shots of seagulls, with a blue house in the background and a runner jogging along the footpath.]

If you’re out and about, keep an eye out for wild birds showing signs of bird flu. These can include sudden death (usually of multiple birds), tremors or weakness, paralysis and having trouble breathing.

[For each bulletpoint, the corresponding words appear on screen in an orange text box.]

[The words ‘What to do’ appear on screen in an orange text box.]

While we can’t eliminate bird flu once it’s in wildlife, we can take steps to protect ourselves and to stop further transmission. Here’s how you can help and keep safe.

Don’t touch or collect dead or sick wildlife. Keep pets away from wildlife. Avoid disturbing wildlife congregating on shorelines. Clean your shoes and gear before and after visiting parks, reserves, or farms to help stop disease from spreading.

[For each bulletpoint, the corresponding words appear on screen in an orange text box.]

Some birds do recover and may develop immunity. That’s why it’s important to leave sick birds alone and reduce stress or disturbance around them.

[A sleepy duck is sitting on the grass.]

Sick or dead birds can carry other diseases that cause illness in humans – not just bird flu.

[A blackbird standing on the leafy ground walks out of shot.]

If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, please report it to MPI’s pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

[The 0800 number pops up on screen in an orange text box.]

Together, we can help protect New Zealand’s wildlife.

[A saddleback is shown perched on a tree branch. The bird flies out of shot.]

Thank you for doing your part.

[The words ‘For more information, visit www.mpi.govt.nz/bird-flu’ appear on screen in an orange text box.].

[End screen of ‘Bird flu be ready’ branding, which has two dark orange feathers on a light orange background with the website address and Ministry for Primary Industries and New Zealand Government logos at the bottom.]

[End transcript]