Second bird flu case was actually the first, expert confirms
A native swamp harrier found in Wairarapa has been confirmed as New Zealand's first case of H5 bird flu, rather than the second. Experts warn that while the current infection rate is low, the virus is likely to spread among bird populations.
Why it matters
The confirmation of the virus in a native predator highlights the ecological threat posed by avian influenza to New Zealand's unique and vulnerable bird species.
The native bird found to be infected with the deadly H5 bird flu in Wairarapa was actually the country's first case of the virus, not the second, RNZ can reveal.
The kāhu, or swamp harrier, was discovered in Carterton and taken to Massey University's Wildbase clinic on July 9 - the day before an infected brown skua was found on Wellington's Petone Beach .
Wildlife veterinarian professor Brett Gartrell said the harrier was "stuck in a fence" and admitted to the animal hospital with suspected head trauma.
"We weren't even thinking about highly pathogenic avian influenza at the time," he said.
The bird deteriorated overnight and was put down the next morning. It was tested for bird flu as part of routine surveillance, he said.
"It was a surprise to all of us when it came back positive."
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