The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is encouraging people who own backyard or domestic poultry, heritage breeds or other pet birds to understand the risk of bird flu and be ready for it. Bird flu (also known as high pathogenicity avian influenza) is a contagious viral disease that mostly affects domestic and wild birds. Overseas, the H5N1 strain of bird flu has adapted and is spreading through the movement of wild birds, leading to the deaths of large numbers of poultry, wild birds and mammals. New Zealand has been preparing in case this strain of bird flu spreads here.
In December 2024, the H7N6 strain of bird flu was detected on an Otago chicken farm. This is different from the H5N1 strain and is believed to be contained to a single farm. You can read more about that response here. Even though New Zealand remains free of the H5N1 strain of bird flu, it’s important that all bird owners understand the risk of bird flu and are prepared for it.
If HPAI H5N1 arrives here, it’s unlikely we’ll be able to eradicate it once it establishes in wild birds. The best way to keep backyard and pet birds safe is to prevent contact with infected birds or contaminated materials and environments.
Free-range birds and birds with easy access to outdoor areas are at a higher risk of being exposed to H5N1 because of the greater likelihood of contact with wild birds or contaminated material. Bird owners can follow the biosecurity steps on the MPI website to protect their birds |