Avian influenza (bird flu)

Sometimes known as bird flu, avian influenza mainly affects birds but can also affect mammals including humans. While there has never been a human case reported in New Zealand, we need to be prepared.

Types of avian influenza 

There are different types (strains) of avian influenza viruses and they do not spread easily from animals to people, or from person to person. There are two main types. 

• High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), which can cause severe signs and high death rates in birds. There are a number of strains including H5, H7, and H9.  This type has not yet been detected in New Zealand. 

• Low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI), which typically causes few or no signs in birds but can possibly mutate to HPAI. 

How avian influenza spreads 

Avian influenza can be spread from animals to people through close, unprotected contact with an infected bird or other animal or their droppings, saliva or contaminated materials. Avian influenza generally only spreads to people who have had a lot of close, unprotected contact with infected birds or other infected animals. Personal protective equipment like gloves, a face mask and eyewear help limit this close contact. 

Protecting our drinking water  

There is currently no evidence of avian influenza being spread to humans through drinking water. It is important to follow standard treatment processes and safeguards to ensure water is safe to drink and to minimise risk from all pathogens including avian influenza virus.      

Drinking water suppliers must ensure that microbiological treatment is in place to kill, remove or inactivate pathogens, and maintain good hygiene practices to minimise the risk during collection and storage of drinking water. 

People with treated water tanks should ensure the water is protected from contamination. For general advice on water collection tanks and safe household water, read the following information. 

• Water collection tanks and safe household water
• How to make water safe to drink under a boil water notice

We will continue to monitor advice from international health agencies and the Ministry of Health to ensure we continue to provide the best advice on how to protect water from contamination. 

Find out more

For more information on avian influenza, visit the following websites

Avian influenza - Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

High pathogenicity avian influenza - Biosecurity New Zealand, MPI