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What thresholds or criteria, if any, does the Department of Conservation use to notify the Ministry for Primary Industries of suspected H5 bird flu cases in wild birds?

Answered Question 37248 (2026)
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Asked by

Priyanca Radhakrishnan

List MP · Labour Party

Question

  • What thresholds or criteria, if any, does the Department of Conservation use to notify the Ministry for Primary Industries of suspected H5 bird flu cases in wild birds?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Minister of Conservation

Answer

I am advised that the Department of Conservation follows MPI guidance, including reporting three or more sick or dead birds or seals, and individual cases involving higher-risk species (e.g. migrating seabirds).