Bird flu – High pathogenicity avian influenza
H5 bird flu, also known as H5N1, is a virus that mainly affects birds. New Zealand has confirmed detections in individual wild birds, but not in poultry. The risk to human health remains very low.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is leading New Zealand’s response, with support from the Department of Conservation (DOC), Health New Zealand and other partners.
This page provides regional context for Northland. For the latest national updates, reporting advice and technical guidance, visit MPI’s website.
Know when to report: If you see three or more sick or dead birds, do not touch them. Keep children and pets away and report it to MPI on 0800 80 99 66
If you see sick or dead birds do not touch or move them.
- Keep children and pets away.
- Avoid areas where several sick or dead birds are present.
- If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds together, report them to MPI’s Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66 or via the online reporting form
- Follow instructions from MPI, DOC, Health New Zealand or local authorities if response work is under way.
- A single dead bird may not need to be reported unless it is a species of concern, is in an unusual location, or MPI advises otherwise.
- Keep dogs and other pets away from sick or dead birds, droppings and contaminated water.
- If you touch a sick or dead bird, wash your hands thoroughly and clean any footwear, clothing or equipment that may be contaminated.
H5 bird flu can affect many bird species, including seabirds, shorebirds, waterfowl and poultry. It has also been detected in some mammals overseas.
If it spreads in New Zealand, it could affect native wildlife, ecosystems and the poultry sector. Staying alert and reporting groups of sick or dead birds will help agencies monitor the situation and respond where needed.
There are currently no confirmed cases of H5 bird flu in Northland.
For now, there are no changes to everyday activities. People can continue to enjoy beaches, parks and natural areas, but should stay alert, keep their distance from sick or dead birds, and report groups of three or more to MPI.
If H5 bird flu is detected here, it could affect native birds and other wildlife, particularly in places where birds gather. It may also affect access to some public places while agencies investigate or manage affected birds.
MPI is leading the national response. Northland Regional Council supports regional coordination; shares verified local advice and provides updates if there are local impacts for Northland.
Waste services and disposal arrangements differ across Northland. Northland Regional Council does not manage household rubbish collection or local transfer stations.
If H5 bird flu is detected in Northland, disposal advice may change. We will work with MPI and district councils to share up-to-date local information. Until then, contact your district council before disposing of dead birds or contaminated materials.
Do not put sick or dead birds in household kerbside collection or public rubbish bins.
Yes. Bird flu has not been detected in poultry in New Zealand. Chicken, eggs, and other poultry products remain safe to eat.
Good on-farm biosecurity is important for protecting poultry and other captive birds. MPI provides guidance for commercial poultry farmers, backyard poultry owners and people who keep pet birds.