New Zealand boosts wildlife facilities with NZ$150,000 to combat bird flu threats

New Zealand is providing NZ$150,000 to six wildlife care facilities to strengthen bird flu surveillance and response capabilities. The funding follows three confirmed H5 detections in wild birds and will support enhanced biosecurity, equipment and capacity as authorities step up preparedness against further spread.

New Zealand is giving six accredited wildlife care facilities a one-off NZ$150,000 to sharpen bird flu surveillance and response, in a move that reflects the growing biosecurity role of hospitals, zoos and rescue centres. The funding matters because officials see early detection as critical to limiting damage to wildlife, primary industries and local communities if H5 avian influenza spreads further.

Conservation minister Tama Potaka said the facilities are vital partners in protecting native species and spotting emerging threats. Biosecurity minister Andrew Hoggard said the money can be used for tighter protocols, new equipment or extra capacity to treat sick and injured birds.

The recipients are Dunedin Wildlife Hospital, Wellington Zoo, Auckland Zoo’s New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine, BirdCare Aotearoa, South Island Wildlife Hospital and Massey Wildbase Hospital.

The announcement comes after the Ministry for Primary Industries confirmed three H5 cases in wild birds by 21 August, although it says there is still no evidence of mass mortality in wildlife or any poultry detections. DOC is also vaccinating 300 core breeding birds from five endangered species, underlining how closely the government is now linking surveillance, treatment and conservation preparedness.

MPI has asked the public not to handle dead or sick birds and to report groups of three or more through its hotline or online.