Biosecurity New Zealand bird flu update – 19 July 2026

Biosecurity New Zealand bird flu update – 19 July 2026

  • 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 individual wild birds in New Zealand.
  • What people can do if you come across sick or dead birds - Report any sick or dead birds in a group of 3 or more 0800 80 99 66

    • Don't 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.
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