Get ready for bird flu

DOC is asking Forest & Bird members and staff to be on the lookout for signs of bird flu (highly pathogenic avian influenza HPAI, H5N1). Birds and mammals such as seals can get very sick and die from the virus. 

Aotearoa New Zealand is one of the last places on the planet that has never had a recorded case of the virus, which is causing devastation among wild birds and impacting chicken farmers elsewhere in the world. 

We need to be prepared for bird flu when it arrives. Signs to look out for in birds include sudden death, tremors, weakness, paralysis, difficulty breathing, and diarrhoea. 

There is no cure for bird flu. Once it arrives in New Zealand and spreads in wildlife, we won’t be able to eradicate it. 

The public is being asked to report groups of three or more sick or dead birds, marine mammals, or other wildlife to the Ministry for Primary Industry’s exotic pest and disease hotline: 0800 80 99 66. Do not touch, handle, or collect dead or dying birds. 

Bird flu has been spreading around the globe since 2021. New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific are currently free of the H5N1 strain of HPAI. It is spreading internationally in wild migratory birds, which is the most plausible path by which it would reach New Zealand. 

When bird flu gets to New Zealand, MPI, DOC, and the Ministry of Health have a plan to mitigate risks to threatened native birds. This focuses on actions to detect the virus, reduce the spread, and protect threatened species. 

They hope to minimise the spread with strong biosecurity practices and by not disturbing wildlife. Conservationists can also support the health and resilience of threatened birds with things such as predator control and breeding programmes. 

During periods of active outbreaks, areas of public conservation land and waters may have restricted access or be closed to reduce stress on wildlife and reduce the likelihood of humans (and their pets) from catching the disease. 

Trials are being carried out to work out how effective vaccination could be in protecting our most threatened species during an outbreak – to prevent extinction. 

In countries where the H5N1 strain of HPAI is present, human infection has been rare. There is no evidence that the strain of bird flu circulating globally can be spread easily from human to human.

SIMPLE WAYS TO HELP 

• Keep pets away from wildlife. 
• Stay away from nesting birds on beaches and rivers. 
• Keep shoes and clothes clean to avoid spreading disease when visiting conservation land or agricultural areas. 
• Call 0800 80 99 66 to report groups of three or more sick or dead birds, marine mammals, or other wildlife. 
• Don’t touch, handle, or collect dead or dying birds. 

For more information, see www.doc.govt.nz/avianinfluenza or www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity-in-nz/bird-flu-be-ready.

Northern Royal Albatross. Credit David Brooks