15 July 2026
A single ocean-going sea bird has tested positive for H5 bird flu in New Zealand.

The bird was found on Petone Beach in Wellington and reported to our exotic pest and disease hotline. Subsequent testing confirmed H5 bird flu (H5N1 avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4b).

This is the first detection of H5 bird flu in New Zealand. It hasn´t been found in any other birds and there are no detections in poultry.

The risk to human health remains low.

New Zealand is well prepared to respond and will react quickly to protect poultry production, and to reduce impacts on wildlife and communities.