H5N1 Information
The Clutha District Council is preparing for the arrival of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza H5N1 (HPAI or bird flu).
HPAI is a viral disease that primarily affects birds, but can affect marine mammals, companion animals and livestock.
There are three positive cases of H5 in New Zealand. A single brown skua seabird found at Petone Beach, a Kahu, swamp harrier hawk found near Carterton, and a northern giant petrel, found dead on a remote Cape Palliser beach in the Wairarapa.
There are no confirmed cases in the Clutha District at this time.
Bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease. It mostly affects domestic and wild birds.
There is no food safety risk from H5N1, and the risk to human health is assessed as low.
MPI is leading the national One Health response, supported by DOC, Health NZ, and local authorities, including the Clutha District Council.
What can people do?
If you spot three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group:
- Report sightings
- Provide as much detail as possible
- Do NOT handle or move the birds
- Phone the exotic pest and disease hotline 0800 809 966 or go online at report.mpi.govt.nz. If you report online, select the "dead or dying wild birds" option from the dropdown list and then the type of bird you have found.
- Keep children, dogs and other pets away from dead or sick birds.
Find out more about bird flu: Ministry for Primary Industries
Further information
- Parks and public spaces in the Clutha District remain open. We will advise immediately if this changes.
- If we identify areas of concern on council-managed land, we may take precautionary steps, including placing advisory signage or, in serious cases, temporarily restricting access. We will communicate changes clear and promptly.
- If you see bird flu signage at a park, beach, or reserve, please follow the instructions on the sign. Signage means we are taking precautions in that area. For more information visit mpi.govt.nz/bird-flu.
Understanding bird flu
The strain we're concerned about
The H5N1 strain spreading globally is the most serious type. It has infected birds across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Australia and even Antarctica.
How does it spread?
Bird flu spreads when birds and other animals come into direct contact with infected birds, or through contaminated environments like water, mud, and droppings.
Who is affected?
The virus mainly affects:
- Wild birds like ducks, swans, geese, seagulls, and hawks
- Domestic poultry like chickens and turkeys
- Some wild mammals, including native sea mammals such as sea lions
Is it safe to eat chicken and eggs?
Yes. Bird flu virus is killed by normal cooking temperatures. If you cook poultry and eggs properly, they are safe to eat.
There is no food safety risk from H5N1, and the risk to human health is assessed as low. More information about H5N1 bird flu is available at mpi.govt.nz/HPAI.
What about my pet birds?
Look for signs of illness in your birds and contact your vet if concerned, prevent contact between your birds and wild birds, and clean your boots, gear, surfaces and hands often.
Can people catch bird flu?
The risk to people is very low. Human cases overseas have been rare and mainly occurred in people who handled infected birds closely for a long time. If you avoid contact with sick or dead birds, your risk is extremely low.
