Reporting sick or dead birds
Reporting helps authorities detect disease early and respond quickly.
Please report:
- Multiple dead birds found together
- Sick wild birds showing unusual symptoms
- Unexplained deaths in domestic poultry or pet birds
Call MPI's exotic pest and disease hotline: 0800 80 99 66 Reports will be assessed and, where necessary, birds will be tested.
Advice for poultry and bird owners
If you own chickens, ducks, pigeons, aviary birds or other captive birds:
- Keep feed and water away from wild birds
- Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds
- Clean and disinfect equipment regularly
- Restrict visitor access to bird areas
- Please report unusual illness or deaths immediately
Feeding birds in your garden
- DOC does not recommend feeding birds or using bird baths in your backyard because they bring birds together and can increase the risk of disease spread.
- People can fill their garden with native plants, shrubs, trees, grass, harakeke and flowers to attract birds that encourage natural feeding practices.
- If people are worried about birds that have become used to feeding, they can reduce feeding gradually and prioritise removing shared feeding points and bird baths.
Protecting other pets
Since 2020, numerous mammal species have become infected, generally after eating infected wild birds or being in very close proximity to them. Some species experience mild symptoms and recover with supportive care, but for other species it can be deadly.
Keeping pet dogs and cats safe
In rare cases, cats and dogs can get sick if they eat or interact with infected animals. To help protect your pets from H5 bird flu:
- prevent wild birds from accessing your pet's food and water
- don't let pets eat or touch sick or dead animals
- keep dogs on a leash, especially near wild birds
- keep cats indoors.
If your pet gets sick after interacting with wild birds, keep them away from children and other animals and contact your vet.
How New Zealand will respond if HPAI H5N1 arrives
HPAI H5N1 has been detected in New Zealand, and government agencies are coordinating a national response.
Actions may include:
- Testing and surveillance
- Disease tracing and investigation
- Restrictions around infected sites
- Protection measures for threatened native species
- Enhanced public health monitoring
- Support and guidance for affected industries and communities
Because wild birds move freely, experts expect HPAI H5N1 may become established in wild bird populations if it reaches New Zealand. The focus will therefore be on reducing impacts, protecting vulnerable species, safeguarding food supply, and protecting public health.
Protecting New Zealand's wildlife
Many of New Zealand's native bird species are found nowhere else in the world.
Special efforts may be taken to protect threatened species, including:
- Increased monitoring
- Wildlife management interventions
- Predator control
- Vaccination programmes where appropriate
- Temporary restrictions on access to sensitive areas
Everyone has a role to play in helping protect native wildlife from disease spread.
Working together: A 'one health' approach
Preparing for and responding to HPAI H5N1 requires a collective effort. Together, a number of groups are working to protect our people, wildlife, food supply and economy.
Partners include:
- Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
- Department of Conservation (DOC)
- Ministry of Health
- Health New Zealand
- Local and regional councils
- Iwi and hapū
- Poultry industry organisations
- Wildlife groups
- Landowners and communities
In summary, if you see sick or dead birds, avoid contact, keep pets away, and report it to MPI on 0800 80 99 66. Early reporting is one of the most important ways New Zealanders can help protect wildlife, poultry and communities.
Don't let bird flu take flight - NZ Government