New Zealand’s response to H5 bird flu has stepped up after authorities confirmed a second case of the virus in wild birds, prompting increased surveillance and preparedness efforts in the lower North Island while reassuring the public that the risk to people remains low.
The latest confirmed case involves a kāhu (swamp harrier hawk) found near Carterton in the Wairarapa. It follows the country’s first confirmed detection earlier this week in a brown skua discovered on Petone Beach in Wellington. Both birds are wild birds, and there is currently no evidence the virus has spread to poultry or caused wider outbreaks among native wildlife.
Biosecurity New Zealand says investigation teams continue to assess reports of sick and dead birds from around the country, with every notification helping build a clearer picture of whether the virus is spreading. Officials say experienced biosecurity staff are triaging reports and undertaking testing where appropriate as part of New Zealand’s national surveillance programme.
The Department of Conservation has raised its alert level in the Wairarapa following the second detection. Staff working in the region are carrying additional personal protective equipment, increasing surveillance activities and preparing response plans should further cases emerge among native wildlife.
Authorities continue to stress there have been no detections in commercial poultry flocks, no signs of mass bird deaths, and chicken, eggs and poultry products remain safe to eat. The risk of H5 bird flu to the general public is considered very low, although people are being urged not to handle sick or dead birds and instead report them to Biosecurity New Zealand.
The arrival of H5 bird flu in New Zealand follows years of preparation by government agencies, conservation organisations and the poultry sector. Surveillance programmes have been strengthened across wildlife, farms, sanctuaries and veterinary networks to ensure any further detections can be identified and responded to quickly.
Officials say the priority remains protecting New Zealand’s unique native bird populations while maintaining strong biosecurity measures to prevent the virus from becoming established.
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