An Update on Bird Flu

Information on H5 bird flu

Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Prepared and Vigilant as New Zealand Responds to HPAI H5N1 Bird Flu Threat

Nelson, New Zealand – Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is closely monitoring the evolving Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 situation and is working proactively to help protect the Sanctuary’s bird populations, especially our threatened species such as kākāriki karaka, kiwi pukupuku and kākā.

While HPAI H5N1 has not been detected in the South Island, the Trust is taking precautions and is following guidance from Biosecurity NZ, MPI and the Department of Conservation.

“The health and wellbeing of our native wildlife is our highest priority. While there is currently no cause for alarm within the Sanctuary, we are taking a precautionary approach and ensuring we are prepared should the situation change.”

The Sanctuary is reminding visitors that everyone has a role to play in protecting New Zealand’s unique wildlife.

Visitors are encouraged to:

• Avoid visiting if they have been in recent contact with H5N1, sick or dead birds
• Stay away from any wildlife, even if it looks like it needs help! Instead, take a note of the location inside the Sanctuary, and let a staff member know. Outside the Sanctuary, if you see a sick or injured native bird, inform DOC. If you see three or more dead or sick birds, call the MPI hotline.
• Do not touch any feathers you find.
• Practice good hygiene, including cleaning footwear before entering the Sanctuary.

At your home, you can keep your garden birds safe by instead of offering bird feeders or bird baths, planting native flowering plants. Bird feeders and bird baths are hotspots for bacteria even without bird flu due to an unnaturally high accumulation of birds in one place. Native plants encourage natural foraging behaviour, appeal to our native manu, and prevent the direct or indirect spread of diseases and parasites.

Staff and volunteers will remaining vigilant for any unusual bird behaviour or unexplained mortalities and will report any concerns through the appropriate biosecurity channels.

The Sanctuary will continue rely on the advice from DOC, MPI and Biosecurity New Zealand to ensure the latest information and best practice measures are implemented.

Brook Waimārama Sanctuary encourages anyone who observes sick, injured or dead wild birds to avoid contact and report them through the appropriate MPI reporting channels.

As New Zealand prepares for the possibility of HPAI H5N1 arriving, Brook Waimārama Sanctuary remains committed to protecting one of the country’s most important conservation sites.