More than 130 threatened native birds have been vaccinated against H5 Bird Flu

More than 130 threatened native birds have been vaccinated against H5 bird flu as Department of Conservation teams move to protect critical breeding populations from a potentially devastating outbreak.

The DOC vaccination programme began in early July and will continue over the coming months, targeting about 300 core breeding birds across five threatened species. The programme includes kākāpō, takahē, tchūriwat’ or tūturuatu, also known as shore plover, kakī or black stilt, and kākāriki karaka or orange-fronted parakeet.

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The birds were selected particularly because they form critical insurance populations with the genetic diversity and breeding numbers needed to rebuild species populations if H5 bird flu causes serious losses.

Image: A kakī, or black stilt, undergoes a health check before receiving an H5 bird flu vaccination in Twizel. (Department of Conservation)

The first tranche of the programme has been successful, with further vaccinations planned as the rollout continues.

Conservation teams have been preparing for the possible arrival of H5 bird flu in New Zealand for quite some years.

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A research trial involving the five threatened species was completed in 2025 and found the vaccine was safe and effective for the birds. The trial showed vaccination could help protect the species from bird flu, allowing the wider programme to begin once H5 bird flu was detected in Australia.

The Ministry for Primary Industries approved the second tranche of the programme, allowing vaccinations to be extended to a further 23 priority species. The additional species were selected based on where vaccination could provide the greatest level of protection.

The second tranche has already begun, with six pāteke or brown teal vaccinated at a captive facility in Christchurch.

The wider programme will continue over the coming months as DOC teams work to reduce the threat H5 bird flu poses to threatened native bird populations.

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More than 130 threatened native birds have been vaccinated against H5 Bird Flu

More than 130 threatened native birds have been vaccinated against H5 bird flu as Department of Conservation teams move to protect critical breeding populations from a potentially…

* thisquality

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

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More than 130 threatened native birds have been vaccinated against H5 Bird Flu

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