Second bird tests positive for H5 bird flu
A second case of H5 bird flu has been confirmed in a native hawk in New Zealand, prompting government officials to increase surveillance. Authorities emphasize that the risk to human health remains low and poultry products are safe for consumption.
Why it matters
The detection of H5 bird flu in wildlife highlights the ongoing challenge of managing zoonotic diseases and protecting agricultural biosecurity.
A second bird found near Carterton in Wairarapa and taken to a Palmerston North wildlife hospital has been confirmed to have H5 bird flu.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says it's disappointing, but not unexpected, following the confirmation of a first case found at Petone Beach, near Wellington, earlier this week.
The native kāhu - or swamp harrier hawk - could have been infected by "hunting, eating or scavenging infected birds", said Hoggard.
He said there had been no detection in poultry.
"The find shows our continuous bird flu surveillance and testing programme is working well, and as a result, we will step up our actions in response to bird flu in close co-ordination with our industry partners and others."
Hoggard said the hawk could travel off the coast, especially in winter, to hunt.
"Hawks can get bird flu by hunting, eating or scavenging infected birds," he said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in