If you have found a sick or dead wild bird,
please do not bring it to our hospital.
To protect our staff, patients, clients and the wider community, our Hospital are unable to assess or treat birds that may be affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu.
What should I do?
Leaving birds that are sick, or may be infected with HPAI H5N1, gives them the best chance of survival and helps reduce the risk of spreading the disease. Birds that may be recovering or nesting can experience unnecessary stress if they are disturbed, which can worsen their condition. Avian influenza can also spread to people who have close, unprotected contact with infected birds. For this reason, we recommend avoiding direct contact whenever possible.
If you find a sick or dead wild bird:
- Do not handle the bird unless absolutely necessary.
- Keep children, pets and other animals well away.
- Leave the bird where it is whenever possible, as disturbing sick or nesting birds can increase stress and may contribute to the spread of disease.
- Do not attempt to move, rehabilitate or euthanise the bird yourself.
- Do not bring the bird to a veterinary clinic or wildlife rehabilitation centre without speaking to them first.
If you are concerned about a sick or dead bird, please follow the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) advice on reporting and next steps.
Why shouldn’t I bring the bird to the clinic?
Bird flu is a serious viral disease that primarily affects wild and domestic birds. While the risk to the general public remains low, the virus can spread through close, unprotected contact with infected birds.
For this reason, suspected cases require specialised biosecurity procedures and are managed under MPI guidance rather than through routine veterinary care.
What is HPAI?
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a severe form of avian influenza (bird flu) that can cause significant illness and death in birds. It can also infect some mammals.
Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (LPAI) has been present in wild birds in New Zealand for many years and is actively monitored through MPI’s surveillance programme. In July 2026, MPI confirmed New Zealand’s first detection of H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in a single ocean-going seabird.
Learn more
For the latest information, reporting advice and updates, please visit the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI):
MPI – Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza/about-avian-influenza-and-the-risk-to-nz
Watch: What is Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXsFQpaqaZE