The H5N1 strain of bird flu that has been affecting countries around the world has arrived in New Zealand.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard confirmed the news on Wednesday afternoon, saying a brown skua returned a positive test after it was found on Petone Beach in Wellington.
The H5N1 strain, which has just arrived in New Zealand, emerged across the Northern Hemisphere in 2020.
"This H5N1 strain differs significantly from other HPAI strains because it spreads more easily between wild birds," DOC said.
Have we had bird flu before?
Yes - and recently. In December 2024, a high pathogenic H7N6 subtype of avian influenza was detected on a chicken farm in Otago.
Should we be concerned?
A main concern with the virus arriving in New Zealand was the threat it posed to wildlife.
Internationally, Geoghegan said H5N1 has caused major mortality events in wild birds and marine mammals.
Will this impact humans?
While bird flu is not a human disease, Geoghegan said humans have been able to be infected by the virus through direct contact with infected animals.
"In countries where avian influenza is present, human infection has generally only been found in people who have had a lot of contact with infected birds or other infected animals."
"People with avian influenza do not easily spread the virus to other people," Health NZ said.
"On the rare occasion this has happened, it was because a person infected with avian influenza had a lot of close regular contact with another person, who then became sick too."
What can we do to help?
Hoggard said people should call MPI if they see sick or dead birds - particularly groups of sea birds washed up onshore.