Image: Jason Blair
Picture of DOC staff on hills pointing into the difference.
H5 bird flu wildlife resource kete
Find information about H5 bird flu and keeping safe while working with wildlife or in the field.

Current situation

H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza (referred to as H5 bird flu) has been detected in New Zealand. There is no evidence of mass mortality in wildlife or poultry.

What is HPAI Bird flu

Videos from the Ministry for Primary Industries:

For more information about H5 bird flu in Aotearoa and the potential impact to human health, we recommend these resources:

DOC H5 bird flu webinar series

The DOC H5 bird flu webinar series steps through DOC’s approach to adapting conservation work with the presence of H5 bird flu in Aotearoa and the practical steps which can be taken to ensure personal safety.

People who would like to receive future DOC H5 bird flu webinar invitations can subscribe directly using this subscription link.

H5 bird flu information for Māori communities

Resources from the Minisitry for Primary Industries:

Resources in development

  • Māori practitioners guide for cultural harvest

H5 bird flu information for rehabbers and wildlife vets

H5 bird flu PPE and biosecurity module

All operators need to complete this module.

PPE requirements vary depending on the site, the activity and the risk of potential exposure to bird flu. Check the factsheet relevant to your work for guidance on the PPE needed to work safely.

If you think you may have been exposed to H5 bird flu, such as through damaged or inadequate PPE, follow the H5 bird flu decontamination factsheet and video.

H5 bird flu how and when to report

Under the current disease status in Aotearoa, it is crucial everyone knows how and when to report suspected bird flu – your reports help us find the disease.

If you see three or more sick or dead birds or seals, call the Exotic Pests and Disease hotline 0800 80 99 66.

Find out how to report other wildlife concerns.

H5 bird flu activity factsheets

Use these factsheets to understand the risks associated with different activities and how to manage them safely. If your work is covered by more than one factsheet, read all relevant factsheets.

Factsheets in development

The following factsheets will be available soon:

  • H5 bird flu kete – working with dogs in the field
  • H5 bird flu kete – hunting and culling
  • H5 bird flu kete – monitoring nest boxes
  • H5 bird flu kete – supplementary feeders and feeding
  • H5 bird flu kete – environmental monitoring and surveillance
  • H5 bird flu kete – wildlife marking
  • H5 bird flu kete – translocations
  • H5 bird flu kete – working with whales and dolphins
  • H5 bird flu kete - working with seals and sealions

If you feel that your activity is not covered by a H5 bird flu factsheet, contact us so that we can improve this resource kete for everyone.

Email: HPAI@doc.govt.nz

Resources from other agencies