Bird Flu in New Zealand - Update 17 July 2026

You may have heard that a seabird has been confirmed with bird flu in New Zealand. At this stage, the detection has only been in a single ocean-going skua.

There has been no H5N1 found in poultry, and there is no evidence yet of mass mortality in wildlife, or transmission between wild birds in New Zealand. The birds most likely to carry bird flu are waterfowl like ducks and gulls, not the birds visiting your feeder.

The risk to people from H5N1is very low, and there's no need to stop feeding garden birds, but MPI is asking that people follow the biosecurity protocols below. Sensible hygiene and vigilance are what we need now.

What you need to do now to keep your birds safe:

Keep your distance 

If you see sick or dead birds, even a single one, keep well away. Keep pets away too. Make sure dogs and any children do not touch them.

Extra Cleaning 

• Scrub and clean all bird feeders and bird baths regularly with hot, soapy water.
• If you keep chickens or aviary birds, protect your flock by keeping wild birds, and their droppings, feed and water, away from your birds. Netting, fencing and clean water go a long way.
• Wash and dry your hands after handling any birds or bird nesting areas.

When to report

If three or more sick or dead wild birds are found together, do not handle or move the birds. Call the Biosecurity NZ exotic pest and disease hotline: 0800 80 99 66.