Bird flu

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H5 bird flu (H5N1 avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4b) is a highly contagious viral disease of birds that has been spreading around the world. It has been detected in wild birds in New Zealand. 

The Ministry for Primary Industries is leading the country’s response to the outbreak. However, in instances where bird flu has been found on Thames-Coromandel District Council land, we will respond accordingly. This could mean the temporary closure of key reserves or facilities.  

New Zealand and our Council are well prepared to respond swiftly to bird flu. However, people can help to minimise the spread and impact of bird flu locally by being observant and practicing preventative measures such as: 

  • Staying away from wildlife 
  • Avoiding touching birds, feathers or bird poo 
  • Washing hands and footwear  

What should you do if you find a sick or dead bird?

If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, avoid contact, record what you see and report it to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 from anywhere in New Zealand. You can also report online. 

If you report online, select the ‘dead or dying wild birds’ option from the dropdown list and then the type of bird you have found. 

Do not handle or move the birds. 

Provide as much detail as you can, including: 

  • common name or species of sick or dead bird if known 
  • how many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number of birds present 
  • a GPS reading or other precise location information 
  • photographs and videos of sick and dead birds 
  • MPI will contact notifiers if more information is required. 

Who does what if bird flu is found locally?

The Ministry for Primary Industries is the overarching lead response agency to bird flu in New Zealand and should always be the primary agency to receive reports of suspected bird flu.

If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, avoid contact, record what you see and report it to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 from anywhere in New Zealand. You can also report online and more on that can be found on this webpage.

In some circumstances you may other agencies involved, including our Council.

Thames-Coromandel District Council
If bird flu is suspected to have been found on Council land, our Council will respond directly to manage and contain the situation. As part of our response, there may be the temporary closure of parks or reserves, facilities or other public areas. You may see members of our response team wearing protective gear. This is normal. You may also receive messaging from our Council offering advice and information about how best to respond to bird flu.

Department of Conservation
If bird flu is suspected to have been found on land managed by the Department of Conservation, such as the Kauaeranga Valley, expect similar messaging and potential temporary closures of DOC areas as it responds to bird flu.

Waikato Regional Council
Waikato Regional Council oversees our local waterways and can be expected to respond to reports of bird flu involving marine or shorebirds.

All agencies have been working together, providing advice and support to MPI from our local perspective.

What is the risk to human health?

The risk to human health is low. It remains rare for humans to be infected with H5 bird flu. The disease is generally only found in people who have had a lot of close contact with infected birds or other infected animals.

H5 bird flu is very unlikely to transmit from human to human. However, viruses can change over time, so it’s important that we remain vigilant.

Overseas, some mammals, including dairy cattle in the United States, have been infected after contact with infected birds. With supportive care, infected cattle generally recover in 2 to 3 weeks.

In New Zealand, the risk of transmission from birds to cattle or other livestock is low. One reason for this is that our farming practices are very different from the US. However, we encourage all farmers to practice good on-farm biosecurity.

In rare cases, cats and dogs can get sick if they eat or interact with infected animals. To help protect your pets from bird flu:

  • prevent wild birds from accessing your pet’s food and water
  • don’t let pets eat or touch sick or dead animals
  • keep dogs on a leash, especially near wild birds
  • keep cats indoors

If your pet gets sick after interacting with wild birds, keep them away from children and other animals and contact your vet.

Find out more at MPI's website

Bird flu and protecting your birds and other pets

Signs of bird flu 

Detecting bird flu early is important to limit its spread. Unfortunately, one of the first signs of bird flu is sudden, unexplained death in several birds. 

If you see signs of bird flu in multiple birds in your flock, consult your veterinarian first to rule out more common diseases. Wait for your veterinarian's instructions before handling any sick or dead birds. 

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 body and legs. 
  • A silent hen house. 

Signs of bird flu in water birds like ducks 

The signs are similar to chickens but can be less severe and take longer to appear:

  • Weak neck and lack of co-ordination. 
  • Blindness. 

More on how to protect your birds here


Protecting other pets 

Since 2020, numerous mammal species have become infected, generally after eating infected wild birds or being in very close proximity to them. Some species experience mild symptoms and recover with supportive care, but for other species it can be deadly. 

Keeping pet dogs and cats safe 

In rare cases, cats and dogs can get sick if they eat or interact with infected animals. To help protect your pets from H5 bird flu: 

  • prevent wild birds from accessing your pet's food and water 
  • don't let pets eat or touch sick or dead animals 
  • keep dogs on a leash, especially near wild birds 
  • keep cats indoors.  

If your pet gets sick after interacting with wild birds, keep them away from children and other animals and contact your vet. 

Bird flu: staying safe and alert when outdoors and hunting

Keep your distance 

Stay away from sick or dead wildlife.  

The best way to give sick wildlife a chance to recover is to leave them alone. Approaching wildlife can cause stress and may make their condition worse. 

  • Sick or dead wildlife can carry diseases that may make people and pets sick. 
  • Don't touch or move sick or dead wildlife. 
  • Keep children and pets away from dead wildlife and wildlife that is recovering. 

Keep clean

Wash your hands and clean your gear after being outdoors. 

When travelling between outdoor spots, ensure that your gear, clothing and footwear are clean. This will help reduce the spread of diseases between populations. 

Wash your hands with soap and running water or use alcohol hand rubs frequently, thoroughly, and as often as possible. This is especially important before and after contact with animals and their environments. 

Advice for hunters 

New Zealand Food Safety's advice on food safety for hunters applies but in particular: 

  • don't harvest or handle wild birds (or their feathers) if they are obviously sick or found dead 
  • wash and dry your hands after handling or dressing wild birds 
  • don't eat, drink or put anything in your mouth while handling or cleaning raw harvested birds 
  • don’t allow your dogs to collect sick birds or pick up birds that are already found dead
  • wash knives and other utensils, and scrub chopping boards between preparation of raw and cooked foods
  • keep raw meat and poultry covered and away from ready-to-eat food, fruit, and vegetables
  • cook birds well – an internal temperature of 75°C for at least 30 seconds, 70°C for 3 minutes or 65°C for 15 minutes is needed to kill bacteria and viruses
  • scrub and disinfect all boots and equipment between hunting sites
  • after each hunting trip, wash, or hose down any clothes that have been in direct contact with birds. 

Birds in your garden

MPI doesn't recommend feeding backyard birds, as it encourages birds to congregate, putting them at increased risk of spreading diseases, including bird flu. 

The Department of Conservation (DOC) encourages people to plant native trees to attract and feed native birds. 

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