Bird flu (avian influenza)

2026 MPI birdflu banner WEB.jpg

 

Current situation
• High pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza, also called H5 bird flu, has been detected in New Zealand.
• There are currently no suspected or confirmed cases of bird flu in Upper Hutt.

 

Finding sick or deceased birds
Be alert and use good habits to limit the impact of bird flu.
• Keep your distance. Do not touch or move them. Keep pets away.
• Keep clean. Wash your hands and clean your gear after being outdoors.
• Know when to report. If you see 3 or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to the MPI exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 or online at report.mpi.govt.nz

 

Council's role

We are working with agencies including Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), Greater Wellington Regional Council, councils in the Wellington region and other response partners to ensure appropriate local arrangements are in place.

Our role is to manage HPAI H5N1 on Council-managed sites. This includes:

  • monitoring reports of sick or deceased wildlife on Council-managed sites;
  • coordinating and managing the local operational response where infection is detected on Council-managed sites;
  • implementing appropriate measures at affected Council sites to protect public safety and limit the spread of the disease; and
  • providing local information and updates to the community about the impact of bird flu on sites managed by us.

The national biosecurity response is led by MPI, including surveillance, disease confirmation and national biosecurity measures.

         

 

Relevant information

 

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