15/07/2026
𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐅𝐥𝐮 (𝐇𝟓𝐍𝟏) 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐙𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝
A wild skua in the Wellington region has tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza.
If you've followed us for a while, you'll know how much birds mean to the Vets on Riverbank team. From beloved pet birds and backyard chickens to injured native wildlife, caring for birds is an important part of what we do.
The risk to the general public remains low. However, to help protect our patients, team and New Zealand's wildlife, we've updated our bird admission procedures.
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒕
🐦 Bringing a bird to the clinic?
Please phone us first. We can still care for many birds, but we'll discuss the safest way to help before you travel. Depending on the situation, we may assess birds outside the clinic or provide alternative advice before admission.
🐈⬛🐕 Has your pet had contact with a sick or dead bird?
Please phone us before bringing them to the clinic so we can advise you and prepare appropriately.
🦅 Found sick or dead wild birds?
Please report them to MPI if you see:
• Three or more sick or dead birds in one place
• A single sick or dead bird from an unusual or high risk species
• Birds showing neurological signs, such as tremors, twisted necks, inability to fly or unusual behaviour
𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒅𝒐 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒊𝒓𝒅s 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒄 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒖𝒔 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕.
☎️ **MPI Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline:** 0800 80 99 66
These temporary changes will help us continue providing safe care for birds while protecting other patients, our team and New Zealand's wildlife.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
