High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI)

What is HPAI?

High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) – also known as H5N1 bird flu virus, is a highly contagious type of avian influenza virus that primarily affects wild birds and causes very high mortality in domestic poultry. Its effect upon other avian species is highly variable and it can also infect certain mammals (such as pinnipeds – seals and sea lions, and cattle), and extremely rarely, people.

HPAI now confirmed in Aotearoa New Zealand

HPAI has been spreading globally since late 2020. It reached Australia late last month (24 June 2026) and on 15 July 2026 - a first positive case was confirmed here in Aotearoa via a single ocean-going brown skua found on a Wellington beach.

Auckland Zoo is well prepared

Given the threat HPAI poses to wild birds and those in our care, we have been preparing and planning for a long time and have comprehensive biosecurity plans in place. Our planning focuses on protecting the health and wellbeing of the birds and other animals in our care by reducing the likelihood and impact of an infection, and precautions to minimise the risk to staff that work closely with birds.

With these plans in place, the Zoo can continue to operate as normal and welcome visitors and implement additional protective measures if required.

Collaborative approach

The Zoo is collaborating closely with its Australasian regional Zoo Aquarium Association (ZAA) colleagues, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) – the government agency that manages Aotearoa New Zealand’s biosecurity, Department of Conservation (DOC) and Auckland Council.

Zoo preparation in action

Among the many pro-active measures by the Zoo is the netting of the flamingo habitat.

Netting this habitat is a proactive precautionary measure to prevent wild birds from getting in – and in doing so, help protect protect the Zoo’s flamingo flamboyance against HPAI (Highly Parthenogenic Avian Influenza). 

Similarly, the Zoo has also fully netted its kiwi breeding habitats (located in a non-visitor area) to ensure this same level of protection to this precious taonga.

You can help

• If you see three or more sick or dead birds in a group, report it immediately to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66
• Do not handle or move any birds - an MPI specialist biosecurity investigator will assess the information and advise you – don’t handle or move the birds.
• Provide as much detail as you can, including:

1. a GPS reading or other precise location information
2. photographs and/or videos of sick and dead birds
3. species name and estimate of the numbers affected
4. how many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number of birds present.

We’ll keep you posted with updates as the situation evolves – based on advice from MPI and its Biosecurity New Zealand unit.