New Zealand has now (as of 20th July 2026) had 2 single cases of the H5N1 avian influenza detected.
The first was in a single ocean-going seabird, a brown skua after it was found on Petone beach in Wellington. The second was detected in a single Kāhu, swamp harrier hawk, which was found in the Wairarapa.
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Biosecurity NZ has ramped up the on the ground response after the second detection.
The additional work will include:
• Extra checking of birds at selected sites in the Wairarapa over coming days.
• Alongside industry, MPI will offer one-on-one support and advice to poultry and egg operations in Wellington and the Wairarapa.
• Establishing a technical advisory group of expert scientists to supplement advice from MPI’s internationally recognised experts.
• The Department of Conservation continues its vaccination programme for 300 core breeding birds from five of our most endangered birds - kākāpō, takahē, tūturuatu/shore plover, kakī/black stilt and kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet.
• MPI has approved the second tranche of the vaccination response that gives DOC the ability to extend vaccination to further priority species and populations where it will provide the greatest protection.
What people can do
If you see 3 or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 from anywhere in New Zealand or report online. If reporting online, select the 'dead or dying wild birds' option from the dropdown list and then choose the type of bird you have found.
Don't handle or move the birds.
Provide as much detail as you can, including:
- common name or species of sick or dead bird if known
- how many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number of birds present
- a GPS reading or other precise location information
- photographs and videos of sick and dead birds
For more information: HPAI or high pathogenicity avian influenza | NZ Government
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