At this stage, H5 bird flu has not been detected in game bird species. Early detection remains key to preventing its spread, so we’re asking hunters to keep an eye out for signs of H5 bird flu in wild birds and to take sensible precautions when handling wild game to protect themselves from possible infection.
H5 bird flu is a contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild birds. Overseas it has infected many species of ducks, geese, swans, pheasants, shorebirds and gulls as well as scavenging birds such as hawks.
The most obvious sign of H5 bird flu is several sick or dead birds. Sick birds may appear dopey; display lethargy/reluctance to move, droopy head, panting and nasal secretions, lack of co-ordination, blindness and trembling. The symptoms are similar to botulism, a bacterial disease present in New Zealand.
If you see three or more sick or dead birds, call the Biosecurity New Zealand Exotic Pest and Disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66. Don’t touch or move any dead or dying wildlife, or those in their vicinity that may appear healthy. Wait for Biosecurity New Zealand’s instructions before handling any sick or dead birds.
Although avian influenza viruses rarely infect people, you should still maintain good biosecurity and personal hygiene practices to prevent spread and protect yourself:
Bird flu update, what you need to know
For full detail, see the MPI avian influenza information for game bird hunters fact sheet.
H5 bird flu spreads between birds by direct contact with infected birds and through exposure to contaminated body fluids, faeces, feed, water or environments.
Yes. Normal game bird hunting continues. Just take some sensible precautions, which are set out below.
Yes. Hunting is a low-risk activity as long as you handle and cook your birds correctly, and follow the precautions below.
So far, no game bird species have tested positive for H5 bird flu. However, some species may be affected more than others. We are watching closely what has been happening overseas and will keep hunters updated as the H5 bird flu situation in New Zealand evolves.
Most areas are unlikely to close. There may be localised restrictions around specific areas. For example, we might close hunting in a location to reduce birds dispersing or to protect breeding areas to allow a population to recover. If that happens, we will let hunters know.
Yes, it is safe to eat game. You cannot get the bird flu virus from eating food, however you should follow safe preparation and cooking practices just as you would with any wild game. Cook game birds thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 75°C, ensuring they are piping hot all the way through and the juices run clear.
Do not harvest, handle or eat a bird that looks obviously sick or was found dead. Leave it alone and do not move it.
The risk to dogs is low. Very few dogs anywhere in the world are known to have caught H5 bird flu, and where they have it has usually been from eating raw milk or scavenging dead birds. Keeping your dog away from sick or dead birds it has not been sent to retrieve keeps that risk low.
Yes, if your dog is well trained. Dogs can pick up the virus by mouthing or retrieving infected birds, so keep them away from birds you have not shot. Watch that your dog only retrieves what it is sent for, and recall it if you have any concerns about sick birds.
Wash your dog if it has come into contact with a dead or sick bird you didn’t shoot.
Clean and dry your dog's gear the same way you would clean your boots and equipment, between hunting sites.
Signs to watch for include:
If you see three or more sick or dead birds in one place, do not touch them. Report them to MPI's exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 or online at report.mpi.govt.nz.
The risk to people is low. Most human cases overseas have been in workers caring for or cleaning up infected poultry or dairy cows, not hunters. Following simple precautions keeps the risk low.
Once H5 bird flu is established here, eradication is not realistic, as has been the case overseas. Hunting continues. Good biosecurity habits become a permanent part of how we hunt, and we will let hunters know if any localised restrictions apply.
For full detail, read the MPI avian influenza information for game bird hunters fact sheet and there is useful information here Bird flu: staying safe and alert when outdoors | NZ Government. If you have a question we have not covered here, contact MPI or get in touch with us and we will help you find the right answer.
For latest updates visit: HPAI or high pathogenicity avian influenza | NZ Government