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Bird flu updates

Bird flu has been detected in individual wild birds in New Zealand. 

 Here is the latest information that NPDC and MPI have.

  • There are currently no cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in Taranaki.
  • H5N1 is a viral disease that primarily affects birds but also affects mammals.
  • NPDC is following the Ministry for Primary Industries’ and DOC’s lead by staying informed and vigilant about the threat of HPAI H5N1 strain.
  • NPDC has plans in place for protecting to protect the animals at Brooklands Zoo, and our staff and contractors, if H5N1 does eventually reach Taranaki.
  • If you find three or more dead or sick birds, do not touch them. Call MPI’s pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
  • Do not bring dead or sick birds to Brooklands Zoo.
  • It’s rare for humans to be infected with H5N1. The disease is generally only found in people who have had a lot of close contact with infected birds or other infected animals. 
  • H5N1 is very unlikely to spread from human to human. However, viruses can change over time so it’s important that we remain alert.

More information, including tips for bird owners, is available on MPI’s website.

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Page last updated: 09:52am Thu 30 July 2026

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