Auckland is prepared for arrival of bird flu (H5N1)

Auckland Council is preparing for the possible arrival of the H5N1 strain of bird flu and what this could mean for Auckland.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI or bird flu) is a viral disease found in birds across the world. The most worrying strain, H5N1, has now been detected in Aotearoa – in a single ocean-going seabird in Wellington.

This means that even though we’re doing our best to keep it at bay, it’s likely it will arrive in Auckland via these seabirds. Although it's impossible to predict when (or if) it might arrive, councils and government agencies across New Zealand remain vigilant.

Find out more here: https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2026/07/one-for-the-birds-how-auckland-is-getting-ready-for-bird-flu/