Mon 20 Jul, 1 day ago
These guidelines will be updated as more information comes to hand.
Never handle or remove dead wildlife, or those with suspected bird flu.
Be safe when entering wildlife areas and keep your distance from wildlife and do not approach sick or dead birds, fur seals or sea lions.
We are asking everyone to:
Avoid contact with sick or dead birds or any wildlife. If you must make contact, wear protective clothing and gloves, and wash your hands straight away.
Report unusual signs of sick – or mass deaths of – birds, fur seals or sea lions. Contact the MPI exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 straight away and follow any instructions.
Symptoms to watch out for include:
• a lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles
• twisted neck or other abnormal posture
• inability to stand or fly
• diarrhoea
• difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing
• swelling around the head, neck and eyes
• cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes
sudden death
Bird flu is a notifiable animal disease so you must report if you have a reasonable suspicion that birds are infected.
If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds, fur seals or sea lions in a group, report it immediately to Biosecurity New Zealand’s Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66. Provide as much detail to Biosecurity New Zealand as you can, including:
a GPS reading or other precise location information
photographs and/or videos of sick and dead birds
species identity and estimate of numbers affected
note how many are sick or freshly dead, and the total number present.
Biosecurity New Zealand will take details and an incursion investigator will be in contact with you. Follow any instructions from Biosecurity New Zealand for handling of sick or dead wildlife.
Identifying HPAI H5N1 early will help to protect our native species.
You can take action now to support and protect our unique wildlife.
Keep pets away from wildlife
Prevent cats from roaming. Always keep dogs on leash, especially in areas with native wildlife.
Volunteer
Take part in habitat restoration activities to improve local habitats. Activities include revegetating, predator control, weeding or removing rubbish from local natural areas.
Keep footwear and clothing clean
When visiting national parks, nature reserves or agricultural areas keep shoes and clothes clean. This reduces the risk of disease spreading between places.