We have had no further detections of H5 bird flu [since the one announced on 15 July].
H5 bird flu confirmed in New Zealand – Beehive
We thank the public for their vigilance.
We have had specialist investigators out at Petone beach [Wellington] and nothing of further concern has been found. It is not unusual at this time of year to find individual dead birds of different breeds along our coastlines due to storms and other natural events.
To date, we have a single coastal detection in an individual ocean-going seabird and there remains no evidence of any mass mortality in wildlife or transmission between wild birds in New Zealand. 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: H5 bird flu page.