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New Zealand has detected the first case of H5 bird flu, after a migratory seabird tested positive for the virus, prompting authorities to urge the public to remain vigilant.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard said on Wednesday that the infected bird, a brown skua, was found on Petone Beach in Wellington.
He added that there was no evidence the virus had spread among wild birds or caused any mass wildlife deaths.
“New Zealanders are being asked to be alert after a single ocean-going seabird, a brown skua, returned a confirmed positive test for H5 bird flu today after it was found on Petone beach in Wellington,” Hoggard said.
The H5 strain of bird flu has caused widespread outbreaks and high mortality rates in poultry and wild bird populations across the world.
The detection comes months after neighbouring Australia confirmed its first H5 bird flu case in June and has since recorded 14 infections.
In response to the threat, New Zealand has vaccinated breeding populations of some of its most endangered bird species, including the kakapo, takahe, shore plover, black stilt and orange-fronted parakeet.
Before human settlement, New Zealand had no native land mammals, leaving many of its unique bird species, including the kiwi, particularly vulnerable to introduced diseases.
Officials have advised members of the public to report sightings of three or more sick birds to the relevant authorities as surveillance efforts continue.
