High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI)

Auckland Zoo has been taking a very proactive, precautionary approach and has plans in place to protect the bird species in its care should High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI) – the highly contagious avian influenza virus – reach New Zealand.

What is HPAI?

HPAI (also known as H5NI bird flu virus) is spread via migratory birds (waterfowl and seabirds). It causes very high mortality in domestic poultry, and its effects upon other avian species can be highly variable. It can also infect certain mammals (such as seals/sealions and cattle) and extremely rarely, people.  

HPAI confirmed in Australia, but is not in Aotearoa

HPAI has been spreading globally since 2020 – including in Antarctica. While it has not yet reached Aotearoa New Zealand or the Pacific Islands, it recently (late June 2026) reached Australia, with a few cases confirmed in migratory seabirds in Western Australia and South Australia. This reminds us that there is a high likelihood that HPAI will arrive in Aotearoa at some point in the future. The good news is that we have known this for several years and have used that time to plan and prepare for its arrival.

Auckland Zoo is well prepared

Given the threat HPAI could pose to wild birds and those in the care of facilities like Auckland Zoo, we have been in preparation and planning mode for a long time – working through all of the risks and mitigations available to us. The animal-health part of our planning focuses on protecting the health and wellbeing of birds and other animals in Zoo care by reducing the likelihood and impact of an infection. Our intensive planning also includes precautions to minimise the risk to staff that work closely with birds.  

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.

Preparation in action

Among the many pro-active measures by the Zoo is the netting of the flamingo habitat – to become a fully netted aviary. This will greatly decrease the likelihood of the flamingo flamboyance (the only flock in Australasia) becoming infected with HPAI, should there be an outbreak in Aotearoa. 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. Among other protective measures, we have enhanced water treatment – providing chlorinated water sources for all the ponds in our aviaries. We have also enhanced food waste management to reduce pest bird activity onsite.

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