We have staff on the ground over the weekend carrying out checks in some areas of Wellington’s south coast and Wairarapa.
We have had no further detections of H5 bird flu [since the second detection on 17 July]. There is no evidence of any mass mortality in wildlife. There has been no detection in poultry.
We already have a well-established surveillance programme that includes wildlife sanctuary notifications, zoos, along with poultry industry and vet notification, and of course, the public.
Over the past 12 months, through surveillance and monitoring activities in wild birds, around more than 2,500 wild birds and 12,500 commercial poultry were tested.
We are continuing to ask the community to remain vigilant and report any sick or dead birds in a group of 3 or more.
What people can do
If you see 3 or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 from anywhere in New Zealand or report online. If reporting online, select the 'dead or dying wild birds' option from the dropdown list and then choose the type of bird you have found.
Don't handle or move the birds.
Provide as much detail as you can, including:
- common name or species of sick or dead bird if known
- how many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number of birds present
- a GPS reading or other precise location information
- photographs and videos of sick and dead birds.
More information about H5 bird flu and the work New Zealand is doing to prepare is available on this section of the website: H5 bird flu
Situation updates are available on this page: About bird flu and the risk to New Zealand