HPAI H5N1 Has Been Detected in New Zealand

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 is a viral disease that affects both wild and domesticated birds. Avian influenza A viruses infect the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts of birds and are spread through saliva, respiratory secretions, and faeces. Some strains can also infect mammals, including humans, although human infections remain uncommon and are typically associated with close, prolonged, and unprotected contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Human illness can range from mild symptoms, such as conjunctivitis and upper respiratory infections, to severe disease including pneumonia and multi-organ failure. [mpi.govt.nz]

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Avian influenza viruses are generally classified into two groups:

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• Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) – typically causing mild illness or no obvious clinical signs in birds.

• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) – capable of causing severe disease and high mortality in susceptible bird species.

 

The HPAI H5N1 strain currently circulating globally emerged in 2020 and differs from previous outbreaks because of its ability to spread efficiently among wild birds. Since then, the virus has been detected across multiple continents and in a wide range of species, including seabirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, and migratory birds.

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In July 2026, New Zealand confirmed its first detections of HPAI H5N1 in wild birds. The virus was identified in individual wild birds, including a brown skua found in Wellington and a kāhu (swamp harrier) in the Wairarapa. At the time of writing, there is no evidence of widespread transmission within New Zealand's wild bird populations, and no detections have been reported in commercial poultry flocks. New Zealand agencies, including MPI, DOC, Health New Zealand, industry partners, and researchers, continue to undertake surveillance, preparedness, and response activities. [mpi.govt.nz]

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How Does HPAI Spread?

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HPAI viruses spread primarily through direct contact with infected birds and their bodily secretions, including saliva, nasal discharge, and faeces. The virus can also spread indirectly through contaminated environments, including soil, water, equipment, vehicles, clothing, footwear, cages, and transport containers.

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Wild birds can carry the virus over long distances, and infected birds may spread the virus before showing obvious signs of illness. Scavenging and predatory species may become infected through contact with sick or dead birds. Mammals can also become infected through contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.

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For wildlife rehabilitators, the greatest risk of introducing the virus into a rehabilitation facility is through the movement of infected animals, contaminated equipment, or inadequate biosecurity practices.

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Biosecurity for Wildlife Rehabilitators

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Good biosecurity practices are one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of HPAI spreading between wild birds, rehabilitation facilities, domestic animals, and people. Wildlife rehabilitators should review their biosecurity procedures regularly and ensure staff and volunteers understand and follow them consistently.

 

Key biosecurity measures include:

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• Washing or sanitising hands before and after handling each animal.

• Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly when handling sick birds or cleaning enclosures.

• Cleaning and disinfecting equipment, carriers, food preparation areas, and enclosures between animals.

• Using dedicated equipment for different species or housing areas wherever possible.

• Minimising contact between birds from different locations or admission sources.

• Quarantining new admissions and isolating birds showing signs of infectious disease.

• Restricting unnecessary movement of animals, people, equipment, and vehicles between rehabilitation areas.

• Preventing contact between wildlife patients and domestic poultry or captive birds.

• Using dedicated footwear, footbaths, or cleaning stations when moving between animal areas.

• Maintaining accurate admission and treatment records to support disease tracing if required.

• Ensuring staff and volunteers know how and when to report suspect cases.

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Facilities should also have plans in place for managing suspected HPAI cases, including isolation procedures, communication pathways, PPE requirements, veterinary support, and contingency plans for disease outbreaks.

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WReNNZ has developed freely available HPAI guidance and biosecurity resources specifically for wildlife rehabilitators. We encourage all rehabilitators, centres, sanctuaries, and rescue groups to review these resources and assess their preparedness regularly. As recommendations may change as the situation evolves, rehabilitators should also refer to MPI and DOC for the latest official advice and requirements.

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Signs and Symptoms

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The signs of HPAI H5N1 can vary depending on the species and individual bird affected. Some birds may be found dead with no obvious warning signs, while others may show a combination of respiratory, neurological, and general signs of illness.

Common signs may include:

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• Sudden death with no obvious cause.

• Weakness, lethargy, or reluctance to move.

• Difficulty flying or inability to fly.

• Loss of coordination, stumbling, circling, or difficulty standing.

• Tremors, twitching, head tilting, or other neurological signs.

• Respiratory distress, including laboured breathing, coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge.

• Swollen head, neck, or eyes.

• Diarrhoea or staining around the vent.

• Reduced appetite or weight loss.

• Unusual behaviour, including disorientation or reduced fear of people.

 

These signs are not specific to avian influenza and may also occur with other diseases, injuries, toxins, or environmental factors. Laboratory testing is required to confirm HPAI infection.

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What Does This Mean for Wildlife Rehabilitators?

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Wildlife rehabilitators, rescuers, and carers play an important role in supporting biosecurity, wildlife health, and disease surveillance. Anyone working with wild birds should remain vigilant, follow recommended biosecurity practices, and stay informed about current guidance from MPI and DOC.

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If you observe three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report them immediately to the MPI Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66. Avoid handling sick or dead birds unless appropriate guidance, training, and personal protective equipment are available. [mpi.govt.nz]

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Because HPAI cannot be diagnosed based on clinical signs alone, rehabilitators should follow current MPI and DOC guidance regarding reporting, handling, transport, quarantine, decontamination, and biosecurity requirements when managing suspect cases.

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Staying Informed

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As the HPAI situation continues to evolve, we encourage wildlife rehabilitators to refer to MPI and DOC as the primary sources of official information, advice, and updates. WReNNZ will continue to collate relevant resources, guidance, and practical information for the wildlife rehabilitation community and will make every effort to keep this information current as new information becomes available.

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Further Information

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For the latest updates and official guidance, visit:

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• Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) – H5 Bird Flu Information

• Department of Conservation (DOC) – Avian Influenza

• Health New Zealand – Avian Influenza Information

• US CDC – Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Resources

 

Information on this page is intended to support wildlife rehabilitators and carers. Official disease status updates, reporting requirements, and response information should always be obtained directly from MPI and DOC.