New Zealand Confirms Second Wild Bird H5 Bird Flu Case

New Zealand's biosecurity authorities have confirmed a second H5 bird‑flu infection in a wild swamp harrier (kāhu) found near Carterton in the Wairarapa, following the first detection earlier in the week at Petone Beach, Wellington. The Ministry for Primary Industries and the Department of Conservation say the virus has not been detected in poultry, there are no signs of mass bird deaths, and chicken, eggs and other poultry products remain safe to eat.

The government is intensifying surveillance and response measures, including additional testing of birds, heightened alert levels for staff in the region, and the extension of a vaccination programme for vulnerable native species. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard emphasised that while the risk to human health is very low, the public should avoid handling sick or dead birds and report any sightings to authorities. The response is part of a long‑standing preparedness effort to prevent the virus from becoming established in New Zealand's wildlife and farming sectors.