New Zealand Confirms Second H5 Bird Flu Case as Surveillance Expands
New Zealand has confirmed its second case of H5 bird flu after the virus was detected in a native kāhu, or swamp harrier, found in the Wairarapa region of the North Island. The discovery has prompted authorities to intensify surveillance and field investigations as they assess whether the virus is spreading among the country’s wild bird population.
Native Hawk Becomes Second Confirmed Case
Officials said the infected swamp harrier may have contracted the virus while hunting, feeding on or scavenging another infected bird. Raptors can be exposed to avian influenza through close contact with sick wildlife or contaminated carcasses.
The latest detection follows New Zealand’s first confirmed H5N1 case, which was identified earlier in the week in a brown skua found near Wellington. The ocean-going seabird may have carried the virus into the country during migration.
Surveillance Stepped Up Across New Zealand
Government agencies are expanding monitoring in Wairarapa and other areas where sick or dead birds are reported. Samples will be collected from potentially affected wildlife to determine whether the two confirmed cases are isolated or indicate wider circulation.
Authorities are also working with wildlife hospitals, veterinarians, conservation organisations, poultry producers and bird owners to identify suspected infections quickly.
Members of the public have been urged not to handle sick or dead birds and to report unusual wildlife deaths to the relevant authorities.
No Cases Detected in Poultry
No H5 bird flu infections have been reported in commercial or domestic poultry, and there is currently no evidence of mass bird deaths or widespread transmission.
The risk to human health remains low, although people have been advised to avoid direct contact with potentially infected wildlife.
New Zealand has also begun vaccinating selected breeding populations belonging to endangered native bird species as part of broader efforts to protect vulnerable wildlife.
