Fears for New Zealand’s native species as first bird flu case emerges

A brown skua has tested positive for H5N1 bird flu on a beach in Wellington, New Zealand. Photograph: robertharding/Alamy View image in fullscreen A brown skua has tested positive for H5N1 bird flu on a beach in Wellington, New Zealand. Photograph: robertharding/Alamy Fears for New Zealand’s native species as first bird flu case emerges Minister urges public to report cases of three or more sick or dead birds in a group after brown skua seabird tests positive for H5N1 on Wellington beach The deadly H5N1 bird flu has been confirmed in New Zealand for the first time, sparking alarm that some of the country’s most beloved and vulnerable native birds could be wiped out if it spreads. A single ocean-going seabird, a brown skua, returned a confirmed positive test on Wednesday, after it was found on Petone beach in Wellington on 10 July, said Andrew Hoggard, the biosecurity minister. In New Zealand, where birds hold a significant place in the culture and ecosystem, the virus has the potential to be catastrophic. However, New Zealand has been preparing for the possible arrival of bird flu for years and a vaccination programme is under way for five species of endangered birds in captive breeding programmes, including the charismatic kākāpō and takahē . The ministry for primary industries said it has a well-established surveillance programme that spans wildlife sanctuaries, zoos, the poultry industry, vets and the public. The last continent: how deadly bird flu travelled the world before landing on a remote Australian beach Read more “Bird flu is an unwelcome threat to our bird species who are already under more extreme and multiple pressures than ever before,” said James Russell, professor of conservation biology at the University of Auckland. “Ultimately, there will be little we can do to stop this virus impacting our wild bird populations, but through taking meaningful actions which reduce other pressures, we can set up our bird populations as strongly as possible to recover after the virus has swept through.” Hoggard said: “There is no evidence of any mass mortality in wildlife or transmission between wild birds in New Zealand.” However he urged the public to be vigilant. “We are continuing to act early and prepare carefully, while asking the community to remain watchful and report three or more sick or dead birds in a group to the pest and disease hotline.” The deadly bird flu strain started in Asia, and has been spreading across Europe and the Americas since 2021, arriving in Antarctica during the 2023-24 summer. Australia recorded its first confirmed cases on the mainland in early July . The virus has killed millions of birds worldwide and in some areas, reduced bird populations by 75%. Signs of disease include weakness and seizures, head twisting, and breathing distress. New Zealand’s only endemic mammal species are bats and marine mammals. Consequently, its birds evolved in unusual and idiosyncratic ways. The country is home to more species of fli