Bird Flu

Environment Southland is preparing for the arrival of bird flu

H5N1 bird flu is a seasonal, contagious virus that primarily affects wild and domestic birds, but can affect marine mammals, companion animals and livestock.

If you spot three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group:

Report sightings
Provide as much detail as possible
Do NOT handle or move the birds

Call MPI’s exotic pest and disease hotline 0800 809 966

Bird Flu – What you need to know

Environment Southland is preparing for bird flu.

Key facts:

Bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease. It mostly affects domestic and wild birds.
Bird flu has been confirmed in New Zealand. We are monitoring the situation and following the lead of Ministry for Primary Industries/Biosecurity New Zealand.
The risk to human health is considered low. In countries where the current H5N1 strain of bird flu is present human infection has generally only occurred in people who have had a lot of contact with infected birds or other infected animals.
Environment Southland is preparing alongside national agencies as part of a One Health response. We will keep our community informed as the situation develops.
The most obvious sign of bird flu in wild birds is several sick or dead birds. Other signs, especially in waterfowl, can include drowsiness, lack of coordination, and an inability to fly.
If you see three or more dead or sick birds in one place, do not touch them. Report immediately to MPI's Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline: 0800 80 99 66.

Understanding bird flu

Bird flu (also called avian influenza or HPAI) is a virus that mostly affects birds. It spreads easily between birds, especially those that gather in groups. Overseas, it has caused serious outbreaks in wild bird populations, and Heard Island, off the coast of Australia, has been affected by an outbreak in a sea lion colony.

Take steps now to protect your birds

If bird flu spreads to New Zealand, domesticated birds such as poultry and pet birds could be at risk.

Get ready now so that you’re prepared if bird flu arrives here.

Watch

Look for signs of illness in your birds. Contact your veterinarian if concerned.

Detecting bird flu early is important to limit its spread. Unfortunately, one of the first signs of bird flu is sudden, unexplained death in several birds.

If you see signs of bird flu in multiple birds in your flock, consult your veterinarian first to rule out more common diseases. Wait for your veterinarian's instructions before handling any sick or dead birds.

Know what signs to look for in your birds

Separate

Prevent contact between your birds and wild birds.

The best way to keep your birds safe from bird flu is to prevent them from having contact with infected birds or contaminated materials and environments.

Make enclosures birdproof by repairing or blocking holes.
Keep your birds away from open ponds, lakes, creeks, or other water used by wild birds.
Keep new birds in a separate area away from other birds (quarantine) for 14 days. Ensure they are healthy before introducing them to your flock.
Keep pet birds such as budgies, cockatiels, parrots, finches, and doves inside or undercover and separate from wild birds.
Use fencing or netting to keep wild birds away from your birds' feed and water.
Buy birds, litter, and feed from accredited sources.
Make sure the water you use doesn’t come from sources that wild birds frequent or could contaminate. Treated (chlorinated) mains water and bore water that has been tested are less likely to be contaminated.

Scrub

Clean your boots, gear, surfaces, and hands often.

Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling birds.
Keep bird housing, bedding, and equipment clean.
Don't share equipment with other bird owners – including egg cartons and other storage materials.
Clean your footwear and wash clothing regularly. Avoid using the same clothing and footwear around your birds if you have visited other flocks or events such as shows.
Use pest control to control rats and mice, which can carry diseases on their feet and fur.

Reporting sick or dead birds

If you find three or more sick or dead birds - don't touch them.

Follow these three simple steps:

Avoid

Keep yourself, children, and pets away
Do not touch the birds or the area around them
Observe from a safe distance (at least a few metres away)
Don't let pets investigate or play with the birds

Record

Note where you saw them (park name, street address, GPS coordinates or landmark)
Write down the date and time
Write down how many birds you saw
Describe the type of bird if you can (colour, size)
Take photos from a distance if you can do so safely

Report

Call the MPI Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline: 0800 80 99 66 24, 7 days a week

Or report online at: https://report.mpi.govt.nz/pest/

Tell them:

What you saw and where
How many birds
When you saw them

An MPI investigator will follow up.

FAQs

How does it spread?

Bird flu spreads when birds and other animals come into direct contact with infected birds, or through contaminated environments like water, mud, and droppings.

Who is affected?

The virus mainly affects:

Wild birds like ducks, swans, geese, seagulls, and hawks
Domestic poultry like chickens and turkeys
Some wild mammals, including native sea mammals such as sea lions

Is it safe to eat chicken and eggs?

Yes. Bird flu virus is killed by normal cooking temperatures. If you cook poultry and eggs properly, they are safe to eat.

What about my pet birds?

Pet birds indoors are at very low risk. Keep them inside and away from wild birds to be safe. If you have birds in outdoor aviaries, keep wild birds away from their food and water.

Can people catch bird flu?

The risk to people is very low. Human cases overseas have been rare and mainly occurred in people who handled infected birds closely for a long time. If you avoid contact with sick or dead birds, your risk is extremely low.

What is Environment Southland's role in a bird flu response?

MPI is the lead agency for the national H5 bird flu response.

At the regional council level, Environment Southland's role is to facilitate coordination and information flow across Southland — between central government, district councils, iwi, and key stakeholders — provide consistent advice to landowners and the community and manage response on regional council-owned or managed land, including monitoring and mitigating any adverse effects on natural resources under our RMA responsibilities.

Environment Southland has a preparedness plan which will activate if a case is detected in the region. The plan also supports councils across the region to prepare for and respond to occurrences of H5 bird flu. It sets out the roles and responsibilities of the regional council and territorial local authorities, provides guidance on prioritising high-risk sites, outlines best-practice response measures, and supports effective communication and community engagement. The plan contributes to a coordinated national approach.

Where to find more information

Official information, guidance and updates - https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bird-flu

Wild birds and native wildlife - https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/wildlife-health/avian-influenza/

Egg and poultry farmers information - https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza/commercial-poultry-and-avian-influenza

Human health risk concerns contact your doctor of Healthline on 0800 611 116 - https://www.health.govt.nz/