The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has confirmed a second positive case of H5 bird flu in New Zealand.

The affected bird is a Kāhu, swamp harrier hawk, found near Carterton.

MPI Animal Health Laboratory testing has confirmed the bird has the H5 bird flu strain (H5N1 avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4b) that has been circulating globally.

This is the second detection of this avian influenza strain in New Zealand.

The public are an incredibly valued part of future surveillance.

If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66. 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 you if more information is required.

If you notice poultry or domestic birds exhibiting signs of H5 bird flu, contact your veterinarian first to rule out more common avian diseases. Wait for your veterinarian’s instructions before handling any sick or dead birds.

20 July 2026

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