How MPI is tracking Bird Flu across New Zealand, from the ground to the sky

Video: Ground surveillance teams carry out targeted checks across the Wairarapa, investigating reports of sick and dead birds as part of MPI’s nationwide watch for further H5 bird flu cases. (File./ Supplied / MPI)

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is using public reports, field surveillance, specialist investigators and aerial monitoring to watch for any further cases of H5 bird flu in New Zealand.

The surveillance response was strengthened following the second confirmation of an H5 bird flu case in the Wairarapa. Since that detection, Biosecurity New Zealand staff have continued assessing reports of sick and dead birds while carrying out targeted checks across the region and wider country.

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Image: MPI surveillance teams search the Wairarapa for signs of illness or unusual deaths among wild birds, assessing every report that could indicate avian influenza. (Supplied / MPI)

MPI staff conducted enhanced surveillance in the Wairarapa on July 18. The work focused on identifying unusual illness or deaths among wild birds and determining whether any reports required further investigation.

The team is experienced and consider every notification involving suspected avian influenza.

Reports are assessed and triaged based on factors including the number of birds involved, the species, the location and the symptoms or circumstances reported. This process allows investigators to identify reports that may require closer examination, field visits, sample collection or laboratory testing.

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Public reporting is a major part of the surveillance system. People living and working around coastlines, waterways, farms and wildlife habitats can often be the first to notice unusual bird behaviour or groups of dead animals.

MPI has thanked the public for the strong response following the Wairarapa detection as they continue to assess notifications about unwell and dead birds, with each report helping build a clearer picture of what is happening across the country.

No further detections of H5 bird flu had been confirmed following the Wairarapa case.

Image: MPI aerial crews scan the isolated Wairarapa coastline from the air, searching remote bird habitats for signs of illness, deaths or possible clusters that may be hidden from ground teams. (Supplied / MPI)

On July 23, MPI staff took to the skies to inspect the remote Wairarapa coastline. The aerial reconnaissance allowed surveillance teams to view isolated stretches of coast that can be difficult to reach by road or on foot.

Staff were looking for any signs of unwell or dead birds, especially in areas where wild bird populations may gather.

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Aerial surveys can help investigators cover a large area quickly and identify possible clusters that may not have been reported from the ground.

The operation was part of MPI’s wider response to the second confirmed case and provided another layer of surveillance alongside public notifications and field investigations.

Bird flu is caused by influenza viruses that mainly affect birds. Monitoring is important because wild birds can move across large distances and may gather in significant numbers around coastlines, wetlands and waterways.

Image: MPI aerial crews survey remote bird habitats from above, helping authorities spot possible outbreaks early and protect native wildlife, poultry farms and vulnerable bird populations. (Supplied / MPI)

Early detection gives authorities more time to investigate possible cases and determine whether infection is present. It also helps protect native wildlife, poultry farms and other bird populations from potential exposure.

MPI’s surveillance system relies on information from several sources. These include reports from members of the public, observations from government staff, advice from veterinarians and wildlife specialists, and results from testing.

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Not every report of a sick or dead bird will be linked to bird flu. Birds can die or become unwell for many reasons, including injury, weather, starvation or other diseases. Each report still provides useful information and allows MPI to decide whether further investigation is needed.

People should not touch sick or dead wild birds. Anyone who sees three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group should record what they have seen and note the precise location. Photographs may also help investigators when they can be taken safely and without approaching the birds.

Public notifications remain one of the most effective ways to alert authorities to unusual bird deaths in remote or difficult-to-monitor areas.

MPI is continuing surveillance following the Wairarapa detection and says it remains ready to investigate further reports.

H5N1 LIVE UPDATES(click for more)Updated 7:41 pm

27 JUL 2026
6:38 PM NZST1 hour ago

FLASH UPDATE: MPI tracked Bird Flu from the sky

On July 18, MPI staff carried out enhanced surveillance in the Wairarapa following the second confirmed H5 bird flu case. On July 23, MPI crews took to the skies to inspect remote stretches…

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27 JUL 2026
3:18 PM NZST4 hours ago

No further detections of H5 Bird Flu today

There have been no further detections of H5 bird flu since July 17 2026. There is no evidence of any mass mortality in wildlife. There has been no detection in poultry.

* MPI

25 JUL 2026
9:46 AM NZST2 days ago

Country Life: What NZ can learn from a US farmer who coped with H5N1

A US poultry farmer and educator shares her experience of an H5N1 outbreak, the loss of 148,000 birds, and biosecurity lessons she believes every farmer should know.

* RNZ

24 JUL 2026
12:13 PM NZST3 days ago

Unlike the sudden emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, New Zealand has had years to prepare for H5 Bird Flu

New Zealand has an advantage that it did not have at the beginning of Covid-19. This threat has been advancing overseas for years and authorities have had time to study outbreaks, prepare…

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24 JUL 2026
11:04 AM NZST3 days ago

H5 Bird Flu threat remains

Backyard poultry owners are being urged to tighten biosecurity measures as New Zealand continues to monitor H5 bird flu.No cases have been detected in poultry, but the virus has been…

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Timeline compiled from official statements and monitored reporting. Repeated coverage of the same event is suppressed.

Status information: New Zealand Government and Ministry for Primary Industries

How MPI is tracking Bird Flu across New Zealand, from the ground to the sky

Confirmed H5N1 locations

Wairarapa

Second H5 bird flu case confirmed in Wairarapa

Petone Beach

First H5 bird flu case confirmed at Petone Beach

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