Bird Flu

Avian Influenza

Legal Status: Notifiable Organism
Status in New Zealand: Not in New Zealand
Organism: Micro-organism

This disease is NOT present in New Zealand
Report suspect avian influenza cases to Biosecurity New Zealand's exotic pests and diseases hotline on 0800 80 99 66

General Information

Avian Influenza is a disease of birds. There are many strains of avian influenza viruses naturally present in many species of wild birds, especially water fowl (ducks and geese). Most are harmless and do not cause disease in human or birds.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is a severe form of the disease that spreads quickly, causing sudden death in poultry. The H5N1 (Asian strain) avian influenza virus, commonly referred to as bird flu is HPAI.

Public notices

Management

Page last updated: 8 July 2008