Black billed gull
Image: Andrew Walmsley | ©

Avian influenza

Introduction

Avian influenza (also called bird flu) is a contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild birds and is caused by avian influenza viruses.

Monitoring of bird populations is part of DOC’s core work. We encourage anyone who sees three or more dead or dying birds, marine mammals or other wildlife to report it to Biosecurity New Zealand: 0800 80 99 66. 

Do not touch or attempt to move any dead or dying wildlife.

On this page:

What is avian influenza?

Avian influenza is a contagious viral disease that affect both domestic and wild birds and is caused by avian influenza (AI) viruses.

Strains of this virus are classed as either low pathogenic (LPAI) - causing no or minimal illness, or highly pathogenic (HPAI) - causing severe illness.

New Zealand has never had a case of HPAI.

In 2020, a new H5N1 strain of the HPAI virus emerged in both domesticated and wild birds across the northern hemisphere. This H5N1 strain differs significantly from other HPAI strains because it spreads more easily between wild birds.

There are other HPAI viruses, such as the H7 strains, that has caused outbreaks in commercially farmed poultry, including recent controlled outbreak in Australia H7 high pathogenicity avian influenza | Outbreak.

New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific Islands, and much of Antarctica remain free from HPAI H5N1.

DOC is working with others to prepare for avian influenza

International experience has shown that a One Health approach to the current strain of HPAI is essential. If HPAI is detected in New Zealand or its territories, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will be the lead agency and will coordinate any response in partnership with DOC, the Ministry of Health and Te Whatu Ora.

New Zealand has strong systems in place to ensure early detection if it does arrive here. DOC is leading work to mitigate risks to threatened species on public conservation land.

This virus spreads rapidly through close contact. HPAI is transmitted between colony birds through secretions and faeces, and to predator/scavenger species such as raptors and marine mammals through exposure and consumption.

If HPAI arrives in New Zealand and spreads in the wild bird population, it won’t be possible to eradicate it from wild birds and management options will be limited. The focus will be on minimising spread on public conservation land through strong biosecurity practices and supporting the health and resilience of threatened bird populations through conservation work such as breeding and predator control programmes.

We are developing site-specific response plans and species protection plans. Although there is no cure for HPAI H5N1, we know from international experience that some affected birds do recover. These birds may carry immunity from the disease, so we will want to give them the best possible chance of survival, which means leaving them alone and minimising other pressures and disturbance.

During outbreaks of HPAI, people may see high numbers of dead birds, and this may be upsetting as well as presenting an environmental hazard. In some circumstances, collecting carcasses may have a negative impact due to the disturbance of surviving birds. In other situations, it may be necessary to collect and dispose of carcasses to avoid risks to human health or to reduce exposure for a particular species of concern. Where necessary, carcasses will be collected and disposed of under strict biosecurity protocols, and members of the public should not handle dead or sick birds in these situations.

Vaccine trial

For a few species, using vaccination might be an effective tool during outbreaks to protect a core breeding population to prevent species extinction. It is not possible to vaccinate all our birds, but we can focus on those endangered species which are at risk of extinction and where the full two doses of vaccine can be given.

MPI manages use of HPAI vaccines, which are not commercially available in New Zealand. MPI has granted approval for DOC to use the Poulvac Flufend RG vaccine in a controlled trial to test its safety and efficacy in a select number of endangered native birds. The vaccine contains inactivated (dead) virus that cannot cause a bird flu infection. It has been shown to be safe and effective in zoos in Europe.

The trial is limited to a small number of threatened native species in specified captive facilities. It is being carried out under strictly controlled conditions by DOC.

Five native species have been selected for the vaccination trial, due to their critical conservation status and reliance on captive breeding for species survival: kakī/black stilt, takahē, kākāpō, tūturuatu/shore plover and red-crowned parakeet/kākāriki (as a surrogate species for kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet).   

The first phase of the vaccine trial on five native bird species is now complete. This involved giving all the birds involved in the trial two doses of the vaccine at least one month apart.

The second phase of the trial is still underway and will be completed by July 2025. This involves regular health assessments and blood tests of the trial birds to monitor their reactions and presence of antibodies.

None of the birds have shown any adverse reaction to the vaccine and initial tests show antibodies have been detected in all five species. However, we need to wait until the trial is complete for a fuller picture and more conclusive results on the potential protection provided by the vaccine against HPAI.

If shown to be effective, the vaccine could be used if HPAI arrived in New Zealand. It would need to be administered close to the time of arrival of HPAI  to ensure the protection was recent and strong.

What you can do to help

Never handle or remove dead birds and wildlife, or those with suspected bird flu.

Be safe when entering wildlife areas and keep your distance from wildlife and do not approach sick or dead birds.

We are asking everyone to:

  • Check for signs of sick birds. Symptoms include:
    • a lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles
    • twisted neck or other abnormal posture
    • inability to stand or fly
    • diarrhoea
    • difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing
    • swelling around the head, neck and eyes
    • cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes
    • sudden death.
  • Avoid contact with sick or dead birds. If you must make contact, wear protective clothing and gloves, and wash your hands straight away.
  • Report unusual signs of sick birds or mass bird deaths. Contact the MPI exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 straight away and follow any instructions.

Bird flu is a notifiable animal disease so you must report if you have a reasonable suspicion that birds are infected.

If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to Biosecurity New Zealand’s Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66. Provide as much detail to Biosecurity New Zealand as you can, including:

  • a GPS reading or other precise location information
  • photographs and/or videos of sick and dead birds
  • species identity and estimate of numbers affected
  • note how many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number present.

Biosecurity New Zealand will take details and an incursion investigator will be in contact with you. Follow any instructions from Biosecurity New Zealand for handling of sick or dead birds.

Identifying HPAI H5N1 early will help to protect our native species.

Other ways to help

While HPAI H5N1 has not yet arrived in New Zealand, you can take action now to support and protect our unique wildlife.

  • Keep pets away from wildlife
    • Prevent cats from roaming. Always keep dogs on leash, especially in areas with native wildlife.
  • Volunteer
    • Take part in habitat restoration activities to improve local habitats. Activities include revegetating, predator control, weeding or removing rubbish from local natural areas.
  • Keep footwear and clothing clean
    • When visiting national parks, nature reserves or agricultural areas keep shoes and clothes clean. This reduces the risk of disease spreading between places.

Factsheets

Further resources

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