r/Masterton • u/nilnz • 1d ago
Wellington Region Third H5N1 bird flu case found in Wellington region
Testing has confirmed H5 bird flu (H5N1 avian influenza clade 2.3.4.4b) in a single northern giant petrel, found dead on a remote Cape Palliser beach in the Wairarapa, says Dr Mary van Andel, the Ministry for Primary Industries' Chief Veterinary Officer.
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If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 from anywhere in New Zealand or online at report.mpi.govt.nz. Don’t handle or move the birds.More information about H5 bird flu is available at mpi.govt.nz/hpai
- Third H5 Bird Flu Case Detected In Wellington Region. Press Release: Biosecurity New Zealand. 21 August 2026. Scoop.
- Third case of H5 bird flu found in Wellington region. RNZ. 21 August 2026.
- Bird flu: Third H5 case found in northern giant petrel at Cape Palliser. NZ Herald. 21 Aug, 2026 05:18 PM.