High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza H5N1

All birds can catch bird flu. But some are at higher risk:

• Waterbirds like ducks, swans and geese
• Shorebirds like plovers and oystercatchers
• Seabirds like gulls, terns and penguins
• Birds of prey like hawks

These birds are at higher risk because they gather in large groups, share habitats with many other birds, and may eat other infected birds.

Aotearoa New Zealand's endangered seabirds and shorebirds are of particular concern because their populations are already small.

New Zealand has a One Health approach to respond to the challenges bird flu presents to human, animal and environmental health.

The One Health approach recognises that human, animal and environmental health are interconnected. For bird flu, this means the Ministry for Primary Industries/Biosecurity New Zealand leads the national response, the Department of Conservation manages impacts on wild birds and native wildlife, Health NZ/Ministry of Health provide human health guidance, and councils play a vital connector and local communications role.

In countries where the current H5N1 strain of bird flu is present, human infection has been rare. Generally, it has only occurred in people who have had a lot of contact with infected birds or other infected animals. The risk to human health is considered low. Visit www.mpi.govt.nz/bird-flu to learn more.

Yes, properly cooked chicken and eggs are safe to eat. The H5N1 virus is killed by normal cooking temperatures. Food safety advice is available from the Ministry for Primary Industries: www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/66309-Food-safety-advice-during-bird-flu-outbreaks-Fact-sheet 

Yes. You should follow the Ministry for Primary Industries’ guidance for backyard poultry owners to reduce the risk to your birds from wild birds. Visit www.mpi.govt.nz/bird-flu for current advice.

Pets are at very low risk but should be kept away from sick or dead birds. Prevent pets from interacting with wild birds, backyard poultry and other outdoor animals. Keep pets away from clothes, surfaces or environments that could potentially be contaminated with avian influenza viruses. Watch for signs of illness in your animals, and contact your vet if concerned.

The most obvious sign of bird flu in wild birds is several sick or dead birds. Other signs, especially in waterfowl, can include drowsiness, lack of coordination, and an inability to fly.

Signs of bird flu in chickens and other poultry:

• Lack of energy/reluctance to move.
• Eating less than normal.
• Droopy head.
• Darkened and/or swollen comb/wattle.
• Coughing, panting and runny nostrils.
• Swelling around the head and neck.
• Laying fewer eggs than normal.
• Watery or green diarrhoea.
• Bruises on the body and legs.
• A silent hen house.

For more information:

Bird flu and protecting your birds: www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza/bird-flu-and-protecting-your-birds 

Staying safe and alert when outdoors:
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza/avian-influenza-staying-safe-and-alert-when-outdoors 

Do not touch the bird. Keep children and pets away. If you find three or more dead or sick birds in one place, report it to the Ministry for Primary Industries Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline: 0800 80 99 66. Note the location, what type of bird it is if known, and when it was found.

If you find three or more dead or sick birds in one place, report it to the Ministry for Primary Industries Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline: 0800 80 99 66. Note the location, what type of bird it is, if known, and when it was found.

Buller District Council and the West Coast Regional Council are monitoring the situation closely, working with the Ministry for Primary Industries/Biosecurity New Zealand and the Department of Conservation, and preparing our staff and public spaces. We will communicate directly with our community as the situation changes in our region. We will continue to:

• Coordinate with MPI, DOC, Health NZ and territorial authorities
• Plan for waste management and disposal of dead animals
• Manage public access to high-risk areas if needed
• Communicate with the public
• Work with territorial authorities and other councils to ensure a consistent regional response.

No. Decisions about culling poultry or other livestock sit with the Ministry for Primary Industries and industry. Councils support the national response but do not work with industry. Questions about poultry management should be directed to the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Yes. Public spaces remain open unless specific signage tells you otherwise. If you visit areas with birds, keep dogs on leads and away from any dead or sick birds. Wash your hands after outdoor activities.

There are three types of signs:

• Bird flu advice signs: Provide information about bird flu and basic protective behaviours.
• Warning signs: Alert people to confirmed or suspected bird flu in an area. Keep children and pets away, do not touch wildlife, clean footwear and gear.
• Closure signs: Indicate that a public area is temporarily closed due to bird flu. Follow local notices.

Temporary closures may be needed to protect public health and manage access to areas with confirmed bird flu cases. Closures are coordinated with the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Department of Conservation and are based on the risk to people and the local context. We will communicate via signage, this webpage and the Buller District Council Facebook page.

Landowners, or whoever is responsible for managing the property, are responsible for birds that are sick or dead on their land. This includes private landowners as well as agencies managing public land. The Ministry for Primary Industries coordinates the national response in partnership with the Department of Conservation, the Ministry of Health, and Health New Zealand, and local and regional councils, iwi and hapū, industry, and community groups will also have roles depending on where the birds are found. Because bird flu could become widespread quickly in wild birds, it will not always be practical for any of these agencies to intervene on every piece of private land, so landowners should expect to make their own assessment following this MPI guidance: www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/69504-Guidance-for-dealing-with-sick-or-dead-birds-during-an-HPAI-H5N1-outbreak-General 

In most cases, it is best to leave birds alone. For sick birds, leaving them undisturbed gives them the best chance of recovery and reduces the risk of spreading the disease further. Do not take a sick bird to a vet or wildlife rehabilitation centre without phoning ahead first, and be aware that birds with bird flu may need to be euthanised if they cannot be cared for. For dead birds, it is also preferable to let them decompose naturally, including on private land. You may need to consider moving a dead bird if it is somewhere people are likely to pick it up, if pets or other animals could come into contact with it, if there are large numbers of carcasses that could contaminate water, if it is near a bird colony or public access area, and only if you have the right protective equipment to do so safely.

After handling a sick or dead bird, wash any clothing and protective equipment with detergent, drying clothes on high heat where possible. Dispose of gloves and other contaminated disposable items in a sealed plastic bag in your outdoor rubbish bin, without touching the outside of the bag with your bare hands. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and clean any surfaces the bird may have contaminated with disinfectant cleaning products or wipes; household disinfectant, such as bleach, is appropriate. If you feel unwell after being around or handling birds, seek medical advice.

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing is the standard diagnostic method used internationally for detecting bird flu. The Ministry for Primary Industries follows international best practice and guidance from the World Health Organisation and OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health). Councils follow the Ministry for Primary Industries' technical advice on testing. If you have specific questions about diagnostic methods, please contact the Ministry for Primary Industries directly.

The risk of transmission from birds to livestock such as cattle is very low. H5N1 bird flu spreads primarily between birds. Any livestock-related questions should be directed to MPI, which leads animal health and industry responses.

There is no widely available vaccine for H5N1 bird flu for people. Vaccination decisions for poultry or other animals are made by the Ministry for Primary Industries and the industry. Health questions should be directed to Health NZ or the Ministry of Health.

Overseas, the H5N1 strain of bird flu has caused large numbers of deaths in wild birds, poultry, and some mammals. While we can’t prevent migrating wild birds from bringing the virus here, strong biosecurity and early detection can help reduce its impact.

This is why government agencies, including MPI, DOC, the Ministry of Health, and Health New Zealand, are working together with industry and local councils to get ready.

Our focus is on:

• Protecting native wildlife.
• Keeping poultry meat and eggs available
• Supporting the poultry industry.
• Protecting people’s health.