17 JUL 2026
Time not published
Time not published
No poultry infections detected
The Government says there has been no detection in poultry, while chicken and eggs remain safe to eat.
* New Zealand Government
17 JUL 2026
Time not published
Time not published
Second H5 bird flu case confirmed in Wairarapa
A single kāhu, or swamp harrier hawk, found in the Wairarapa has become New Zealand’s second confirmed H5 bird flu case.
* New Zealand Government
16 JUL 2026
1:21 PM NZST
1:21 PM NZST
H5 bird flu detection confirmed
Authorities have confirmed an H5 bird flu detection.
* RNZ
16 JUL 2026
9:00 AM NZST
9:00 AM NZST
Biosecurity response measures updated
Biosecurity and surveillance measures have been updated as agencies respond to confirmed H5 bird flu detections.
* MPI
15 JUL 2026
Time not published
Time not published
Threatened native birds protected
DOC has begun vaccinating 300 core breeding birds from five highly threatened native species as part of H5N1 preparedness.
* New Zealand Government
15 JUL 2026
Time not published
Time not published
Public reporting advice issued
People should not touch sick or dead birds and should report groups of three or more to MPI on 0800 80 99 66.
* New Zealand Government
CURRENT PUBLIC HEALTH RISK
LOW
H5N1 rarely affects people without direct, close and prolonged contact with large numbers of sick birds.
Help stop the spread
- Do not touch, handle or move sick or dead wild birds.
- Keep dogs and other animals away from affected birds and bird remains.
- Use strong on-farm biosecurity and prevent poultry from contacting wild birds.
- Wash hands and clean footwear after visiting beaches, wetlands or areas with wild birds.
Report sick or dead birds
Report groups of three or more sick or freshly dead wild birds immediately. Do not collect or move them.
Call MPI: 0800 80 99 66
Guidance based on New Zealand Government and MPI advice.
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