What is bird flu?
Bird flu (also called avian influenza or HPAI) is a virus that affects birds. It spreads easily between birds, especially those that gather in groups. Overseas, it has caused serious outbreaks in wild bird populations, and Heard Island, off the coast of Australia, has been affected by an outbreak in a sea lion colony.
Reporting sick or dead birds
What to do if you find three or more sick or dead birds
Don't touch them.
Follow these three simple steps:
Avoid
- Keep yourself, children, and pets away
- Do not touch the birds or the area around them
- Observe from a safe distance (at least a few metres away)
- Don't let pets investigate or play with the birds
Record
- Note where you saw them (park name, street address, GPS coordinates or landmark)
- Write down the date and time
- Write down how many birds you saw
- Describe the type of bird if you can (colour, size)
- Take photos from a distance if you can do so safely
Report
- Call the MPI Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline: 0800 809 966
- Or report online at: report.mpi.govt.nz
Tell them:
- What you saw and where
- How many birds
- When you saw them
An MPI investigator will follow up.
