19/07/2026
🐦 Bird Flu (HPAI) Update for Our Community
You may have seen the recent news confirming two cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, in New Zealand.
At Blockhouse Bay Vets, we don't routinely provide veterinary care for pet birds. However, we will continue to assist injured or compromised wild birds where there are welfare concerns, while taking appropriate precautions to help protect our community, local wildlife and pet birds.
To help minimise any risk of disease spread, we've updated our procedures for admitting wild or found birds.
If you find a SICK or DEAD wild bird:
🦆 Please don't touch or handle it. Keeping your distance is the best way to reduce the risk of disease transmission. If you believe a bird might need urgent assistance, please call first. Our team can assess the situation and advise you on the safest next steps.
🦆 If you've found an INJURED wild bird and need to bring it to the clinic, please call us from the car park before entering. This allows our team to guide you through the safest admission process.
We'll continue to monitor the situation closely and follow the latest guidance from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
⚠️ If you see three or more sick or dead birds in the same location, do not handle them. Keep your distance and report them to MPI by calling the Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Thank you for helping us protect our pets, wildlife and wider community. 💙
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.