H5 bird flu in Canterbury
Find the latest information about H5 bird flu in Canterbury, including the current situation, what to do if you find sick or dead birds, and where to get trusted advice.
Current status: New Zealand recorded its first detections of H5 bird flu on 15 July 2026. While there are currently no cases in Canterbury, agencies across the country are monitoring the situation closely and response arrangements are already in place.
What is H5 bird flu?
- Bird flu (high pathogenicity avian influenza, or H5N1) is a highly infectious virus that primarily affects birds. Since emerging globally in 2020, this strain has spread through wild bird populations across Europe, the Americas, and the Antarctic region, causing significant impacts on wildlife and poultry.
- It can affect a wide range of bird species including seabirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and poultry, and has also been detected in some mammal species. The overall risk to human health remains low.
- New Zealand has now recorded its first detections of H5 bird flu. The first being a single wild seabird (a brown skua) having tested positive in Wellington on Wednesday 15 July. There is currently no evidence of transmission among wild birds in New Zealand, no reports of mass bird deaths, and no detections in poultry. The situation is being closely monitored by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and partner agencies.
Who is affected?
What does this mean for Canterbury?
There are currently no confirmed H5 bird flu cases in Canterbury.
MPI is leading the national response, with Environment Canterbury supporting regional preparedness, coordination, environmental management, and community information sharing.
Canterbury communities can be reassured that surveillance, monitoring, and response plans are already in place, and we will continue to provide updates if the situation changes.
We have been preparing for the possible arrival of H5 bird flu alongside Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Department of Conservation (DOC), Health New Zealand, Papatipu Rūnanga and local councils.
Response plans have been developed for land we own or manage, identifying high-risk sites, and procedures are in place to support communities with accurate information and guidance.
What does this mean for poultry farmers?
While there are currently no detections in poultry, producers are reminded that on-farm biosecurity practices are crucial to protect the health of their flocks.
MPI’s On-Farm Support team are available to help farmers develop biosecurity plans and enhanced preparedness.
What do I need to do?
The risk to the general public remains low, but everyone can help reduce the spread and impact of H5 bird flu.
If you find sick or dead birds:
- Do not touch, move or handle sick or dead birds.
- Keep children and pets away from affected birds.
- Avoid areas where multiple sick or dead birds are present.
- Follow any directions from MPI, DOC, Health New Zealand or local authorities if response activities are underway.
Is it safe to eat chicken and eggs?
Yes. There have been no detections of bird flu in poultry in New Zealand, and chicken, eggs and other poultry products remain safe to eat.
Help prevent the spread of bird flu
Everyone can help protect Canterbury's wildlife, poultry industry and natural environment by following these simple steps.
Follow good hygiene practices
- Wash your hands after outdoor activities.
- Clean footwear, equipment and vehicles that may have been exposed to bird droppings.
- Keep pets away from sick or dead birds.
- Avoid disturbing wildlife unnecessarily.
Support response efforts
- Follow advice issued by MPI, DOC, Health New Zealand and local authorities.
- Respect any temporary closures or restricted access areas if introduced.
- Share information from trusted sources to help reduce misinformation.
Where can I go for more information?
For the latest national bird flu updates, reporting and health advice, visit MPI, DOC and Health New Zealand.
Common questions about H5 bird flu
Has bird flu been detected in Canterbury?
No. There are currently no confirmed cases of H5 bird flu in Canterbury.
Why does H5N1 bird flu matter if it’s only affecting birds?
It can affect some mammals and could threaten native wildlife, disrupt ecosystems, and impact New Zealand’s farming and poultry industries.
Why are birds being affected by H5 bird flu now?
Bird flu isn’t new, but this H5N1 strain spreads more easily, affects more species, and causes more deaths in wild birds than previous strains.
Can people catch bird flu?
The risk to human health is currently considered very low. Human infections are rare and generally require close, direct and prolonged contact with infected birds.
Should I avoid beaches, parks and other public places?
No. There is no need to avoid public spaces. However, you should stay away from sick or dead birds and keep pets under control around wildlife.
Can I help the birds?
The best way to help is to keep your distance, avoid disturbing wildlife, and report any concerns. Sick or dead birds should not be handled by members of the public.