Bird flu & wild bird feeding

Bird flu & wild bird feeding

With bird flu cases detected in New Zealand, some people are asking if they should continue to feed garden birds. It's a fair question, and one that is top of mind for us. 

We're taking the lead from experts and officials regarding bird feeding. For those of you who keep birds at home, whether they're backyard chooks, ducks or an aviary, MPI suggests gradually reducing wild bird feeding and removing bird baths as a sensible biosecurity precaution.

Of course, this is your choice to make - if you do continue to put food or water out for your birds, please make hygiene your number one priority. Clean feeders and bird baths regularly with hot soapy water, rinse and dry them well, refresh water often, and keep a close eye out on your backyard friends.
Looking after our smallest family members comes first, always.

How you can help

1. Always keep your feeder clean

Thoroughly scrub and clean all bird feeders and bird baths with hot, soapy water before refilling. Have a look at the video below for some handy how-to tips.

2. Protect your flock

If you have chickens or aviary birds, keep wild birds (and their droppings, feed and water) away from your birds. Netting, fencing and clean water are important here. Also be sure to wash and dry your hands after handling any birds or bird nesting areas.

3. Keep an eye out

Unfortunately, one of the first signs of bird flu is sudden, unexplained death in several birds. Stay away from sick or dead wildlife. If you see 3 or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 or online at report.mpi.govt.nz

4. Plant & trap to help feathered friends 

To thrive, wild birds need a safe habitat and plenty of natural food sources. Keep up with predator trapping and consider either planting natives in the garden or joining in on a community planting project.

What to know about bird flu

Bird flu (H5N1) has arrived in New Zealand. MPI has confirmed detection of H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) here. Bird flu has been spreading internationally since 2021 via transmission from wild migratory birds.

The virus was first found in New Zealand in a brown skua, a migratory seabird, in Petone. 

This is a situation we have been preparing for by following guidelines from MPI, the Department of Conservation and other agencies. While the human health risk from H5N1 remains low it is still important to stay vigilant to protect our birds and pets.
How to stay up to date

How to stay up to date

The best source of accurate and current information is the Ministry for Primary Industries. They are publishing regular situation updates on their website.

Click for the latest MPI information on bird flu

Frequently asked questions

Yes, we should. Birds can get very sick and die from this virus. And once it’s here, it’s here. It should go without saying that our precious birdlife is a big part of what makes New Zealand what it is. We’re all Kiwis, after all. 

Birds benefit from quality nutrition (particularly during winter and in breeding seasons), predator-free safety and helpful native planting. Humans benefit from sharing their day with their feathered friends.

Don’t underestimate the importance of observing your own backyard. Keeping an eye on the health of your garden birds can be a valuable indicator of the overall health of bird populations.

We have one key channel and a few trusted sources for staying up to date with bird flu in New Zealand. 

Others might have different things to say, everyone from local councils to private organisations to your mate Tanya who heard it on this great podcast that you simply must listen to. However, we follow the science and recommendations from the Ministry of Primary Industries. 

You can find the MPI updates here.

Good question. If you see 3 or more sick birds in one area, do not touch them and keep pets away.

Record what you see and report it to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 from anywhere in New Zealand. You can also report online.

Provide as much detail as you can, including:

  • common name or species of sick or dead bird if known
  • how many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number of birds present
  • a GPS reading or other precise location information
  • photographs and videos of sick and dead birds
  • MPI will contact notifiers if more information is required.

The most obvious sign of bird flu is sudden death in several birds. Other signs in birds can include:

  • weakness and trembling
  • paralysis
  • breathing difficulties
  • lack of coordination
  • blindness
  • diarrhoea

Poultry may show more severe signs than wild birds.

Bird flu is just one risk faced by wild birds. Perhaps consider supporting The South Island Wildlife Hospital, one of Topflite's current SOAR Initiative recipients.

It is a non-profit facility that treats and rehabilitates injured wildlife in the South Island. Thanks to their highly specialised work, many wild and native birds return to the sea and sky in good health.Â