Report dead birds to MPI
Council is urging anyone seeing groups of sick or dead birds to ring the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) Exotic Pest and Disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Take a photo, note the location and pass the information on to MPI.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza strain H5N1, which emerged in 2020 overseas, was confirmed in New Zealand this month. Avian influenza mainly affects wild and domesticated bird, cannot be eradicated and has caused high death rates.
Council is supporting national and regional preparedness work led by MPI and partner agencies and preparing to manage outbreaks on Council land.
Birds at risk include wild bird populations in wetlands, braided rivers, coastal areas and the poultry sector including domestic birds.
Detailed guidance is available through MPI for both commercial poultry operations and small-scale or backyard bird owners.
