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.
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.
For the latest information and advice visit the Ministy of Primary Industries' website:
Avian influenza, HPAI, bird flu, risk to NZ | Ministry of Primary Industries
This bird flu strain has been circulating globally, and it is the first detection in New Zealand. MPI is closely monitoring the situation and at this stage there is no evidence of any illness beyond the one seabird. There is no evidence of its spread in wild birds in Zealand.
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.
MPI is the lead agency for the national response.
Media releases
17 July 2026
Bird flu work steps up – second case confirmed