Third case of H5 bird flu found in Wellington region

A third case of H5 avian influenza has been confirmed in the Wellington region after a northern giant petrel was found dead on a remote beach in the Wairarapa area. The bird was discovered by a Department of Conservation (DOC) ranger near Cape Palliser, who promptly alerted the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Initial tests conducted on samples collected on 14 August showed low levels of influenza virus, but further rounds of testing were required to confirm the presence of bird flu. The discovery comes after similar cases were identified in a kāhu, or swamp harrier, and a brown skua earlier this year. These findings indicate that the virus continues to circulate among seabird populations in the region. According to MPI’s chief veterinary officer, Mary van Andel, the detection of another infected bird was not unexpected. She emphasized that while each new case is concerning, it aligns with existing knowledge about the movement of infected seabirds from the Southern Ocean into New Zealand waters. Van Andel noted that ocean-going seabirds frequently travel long distances and often return to New Zealand. Many of these species are known to carry the clade 2.3.4.4b strain of the H5N1 virus, which has been circulating globally. Despite the confirmation of this third case, she reiterated that there are currently no signs of the virus spreading within New Zealand’s wildlife or domestic poultry population. Food safety remains unaffected, according to van Andel, who assured the public that chicken and eggs remain safe to consume. There are no restrictions on poultry farming or egg production, nor are there any health risks associated with eating meat or dairy products. The MPI has not issued any additional alerts or advisories related to food safety following this latest detection. The process of identifying the infection began with the DOC ranger reporting the dead northern giant petrel. Samples were sent to the MPI Animal Health Laboratory, where multiple tests were necessary to confirm the presence of the virus. This highlights the complexity of diagnosing avian influenza in wild birds, particularly when initial results are inconclusive. Van Andel urged members of the public to report any sightings of sick or dead birds to MPI immediately. She stressed the importance of not handling or moving such birds, as this could potentially spread the virus or interfere with official investigations. Instead, individuals are encouraged to provide detailed information about the location and condition of the affected birds. Once reported, MPI will assess whether sampling and testing are needed. The ongoing monitoring of seabird populations is critical in tracking the spread of avian influenza. With migratory patterns bringing infected birds from distant regions, the risk of future detections remains high. However, the absence of local transmission among poultry and wildlife suggests that current containment measures are effective. Authorities continue to work closely with conservation agencies and other stakeholders to monitor the situation. Public awareness campaigns are being reinforced to ensure that citizens understand how to respond if they encounter potentially infected birds. The focus remains on early detection and rapid response to prevent any potential outbreaks. The latest confirmation underscores the need for vigilance and cooperation between government agencies and the general public. As the season progresses and more seabirds return to coastal areas, the likelihood of encountering infected individuals increases. Continued surveillance and timely reporting will play a crucial role in managing the spread of avian influenza in New Zealand.