16/07/2026
You may have seen recent news that New Zealand has had its first detection of H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) in a single wild seabird found on Petone Beach.
The good news is that there is currently no evidence of spread to poultry or other wildlife populations in New Zealand, and MPI has advised that the risk to the public remains low.
As a sensible precaution, we recommend:
✅ Keep dogs and cats away from sick or dead birds
✅ Don't allow dogs to sniff, pick up, or eat dead birds
✅ Discourage cats from hunting wild birds where possible
✅ Avoid feeding cats raw poultry, raw pet food diets, or unpasteurised milk
✅ If your pet has had contact with a sick or dead bird, contact us for advice
If your pet becomes unwell after exposure to a bird, please seek veterinary care. Signs to watch for may include lethargy, reduced appetite, breathing difficulties, discharge from the eyes or nose, or neurological signs such as wobbliness or seizures.
If you come across three or more sick or dead wild birds together, please report this to MPI's Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
MPI continues to monitor the situation closely, and we'll share any important updates if advice changes. In the meantime, there's no need for alarm—just a reminder to be cautious around wild birds and keep an eye on curious pets.
🐾 If you have any concerns about your pet, please get in touch with our team on 0800RAPPAW
