MEDIA STATEMENT
15 July 2026
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has confirmed the first positive case of H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in a brown skua found on Petone Beach, Wellington.
This strain of bird flu is a contagious disease in wild birds with the potential to infect our commercial poultry flocks.
MPI is leading the official response, and our egg and poultry producers are on high alert to detect any signs of bird flu. We remain vigilant and will be following all MPI biosecurity and response measures closely. We are actively supporting all efforts to limit the spread of the virus.
The poultry and egg industries have been preparing for a bird flu outbreak for some time. We would like to reassure the public that all the necessary steps are in place to manage this outbreak and protect our birds, people and the food supply.
Our egg and poultry farmers are working hard to look after the welfare of our animals and protect our national food supply of eggs and chicken.
The public can be assured it is safe to eat properly cooked poultry, eggs, and egg products. Please follow MPI guidance on the safe handling and cooking of chicken and eggs, as you usually would.
PIANZ and EPF will continue to provide updates as further information becomes available. For the latest public resources and guidance, visit www.mpi.nz/bird-flu
Fiona MacMillan, Executive Director, PIANZ
ENDS
Released on behalf of Poultry Industry of New Zealand (PIANZ) and Egg Producers Federation of New Zealand (EPF NZ) by Goode PR. For more information, please contact Vikki Lee Goode on + 64 21 964 888 or vikkilee@goodepr.co.nz