Bird flu is finally in Australia. What does that mean for us?

Author: Imogene Bedford,
Publish Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2026, 1:49pm

Native birds will be especially vulnerable to bird flu and we could lose some 'taonga' species altogether, according to experts. Photo / Liz Brown

As Australia confirms the deadly H5 strain of bird flu has finally reached its shores, the virus is now in Oceania: closer to New Zealand than ever before.

What does that mean for us - a country dependent on primary industries, and world famous for its bird life?

The highly contagious virus has swept across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, devastating wild bird populations, poultry flocks, and mammal species.

It causes sudden death in birds without prior symptoms, and can spread rapidly, killing entire flocks within days.

It can be passed between cattle, and there are concerns that livestock such as cows and pigs could act as “mixing vessels” to evolve strains that could ultimately infect humans.

An outbreak could disrupt our primary industries as authorities work to contain its spread, with likely knock-on effects for poultry, dairy and meat exports.

Distinguished Professor Nigel French told the Herald the discovery in Australia was expected, given the virus’ rapid global spread, and New Zealand is now “surrounded by potential risk”.

Our native wildlife has little natural immunity to the virus, leaving some of the country’s rarest birds especially vulnerable, French said.

“Some of the populations are down to just tens of birds ... if it were to get into those populations, it could result in them becoming extinct.

“That is a real concern, particularly for the taonga species,” he said.

Distinguished Professor Nigel French said strong surveillance will be key to detecting the virus and slowing the spread. Photo / Massey University

The Department of Conservation has been developing vaccines for some of New Zealand’s most endangered birds, but French said vaccination is only practical for captive breeding programmes - with wild populations too difficult to catch.

He said strong surveillance will be key to detecting the virus early.

‘It takes all of us’

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard said New Zealand’s geographical isolation had bought valuable time to prepare.

“Since the H5N1 strain of bird flu started spreading around the world, New Zealand’s geographical isolation has protected us,” he said.

“The Ministry for Primary Industries, the Department of Conservation, the Ministry of Health, and Health New Zealand have been working together with industry and local councils to get ready.”

Hoggard said bird flu cannot be eradicated once it has spread.

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says everyone has a part to play in protecting New Zealand's wildlife. Photo / RNZ, Mark Papalii