Avian influenza (bird flu) is a viral disease of birds found globally. It has not yet been detected in New Zealand.
As part of surveillance efforts, please report sightings of three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group to Biosecurity New Zealand's Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Tasman farmers, environment contractors, and the wider community all play a vital role in spotting early signs of bird flu (HPAI – high pathogenicity avian influenza) to help protect our District.
If you come across three or more sick or dead wild birds together – for example, along the shores of Port Tarakohe or near Motupipi estuaries – please report it straight away to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Try to provide as much detail as you can, including the exact location, photos, if possible, the bird species, and any visible symptoms. Avoid touching or moving the birds; trained response teams will handle the situation safely and humanely.
While the risk to New Zealand and Tasman remains low, the Ministry for Primary Industries, together with the Department of Conservation, Te Whatu Ora, Tasman’s biosecurity experts, and the local poultry industry, run surveillance programmes, including testing of wild birds.
Tasman’s unique environment is home to important native birds and marine mammals, making vigilance essential to protect our wildlife and farming community.
Add the exotic pest and disease hotline to your contacts now and help the team safeguard Tasman’s environment and agriculture from bird flu.
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About avian influenza and the risk to NZ Symptoms of the disease and how it's spreading
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Dairy cattle and other livestock About the risk to livestock and what you can do |
Bird flu and protecting your birds Know what to do to be ready for bird flu |
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How MPI is tracking the disease and preparing for its possible arrival |
How we can protect our native species |
Avian influenza: staying safe and alert when outdoors How to stay safe and what to look out for when you're outdoors |
Bird flu, clinical signs, management of suspected cases, reporting, and resources |
| Avian influenza, food safety, and human health
Find out the risks and how to stay safe |
Avian influenza newsletters, fact sheets, science reports, and other resources
Resources from MPI about HPAI |
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The risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI strain H5N1)), commonly known as bird flu, reaching New Zealand remains low. However, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is closely monitoring the situation internationally and has implemented measures to prepare for a potential outbreak.
Preparation includes:
The most obvious sign of HPAI is rapidly increasing, unexplained mortality. Look out for high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI). (pdf 1.7 MB)
Avian influenza – also known as bird flu - is a viral disease of birds found globally. Virus strains are described as low pathogenicity (LPAI) or high pathogenicity (HPAI). Read more - H7N6 strain of avian influenza detected in commercial poultry. (pdf 509 KB)
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Monitoring of bird populations is part of DOC’s core work. We encourage anyone who sees three or more dead or dying birds, marine mammals or other wildlife to report it to Biosecurity New Zealand: 0800 80 99 66.
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