Following Reply 36967 (2026), when did the Government first start responding to the H5N1 strain of HPAI (High pathogenicity avian influenza)?

Answered by

Andrew Hoggard

List MP · ACT Party · Minister for Biosecurity

Answer

Biosecurity New Zealand’s (BNZ) readiness and response planning has extended over many years with the aim of reducing the impact on native species; reduce the impact on the commercial poultry sector; maintaining supply of poultry meat and eggs to the domestic market and maintaining access to overseas markets where possible; and protecting human health. I am advised that BNZ started responding to the H5N1 strain of high pathogenicity avian influenza (H5 bird flu) on 14 July 2026, when it was first confirmed in a brown skua which tested positive for Influenza A virus and the H5 subtype.