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.
Do not touch dead or sick birds or pick them up.
Do not take sick birds to DOC offices or wildlife rehabilitation centres.
New Zealand had its first detection of H5N1 bird flu in a single migratory seabird on 15 July 2026, a brown skua, after it was found on Petone Beach in Wellington.
DOC is working closely with the Ministry for Primary Industries, Ministry of Health, and Health New Zealand as part of a ‘One Health’ approach to respond to the arrival of bird flu in New Zealand.
The Ministry for Primary Industries is the lead agency for the national response.
For the latest information and advice, visit the Ministry for Primary Industries website:
Avian influenza, HPAI, bird flu, risk to NZ | Ministry of Primary Industries
Media releases
18 July 2026
DOC on high alert after second H5 bird flu case
17 July 2026
Bird flu work steps up – second case confirmed