New Zealand tightens poultry biosecurity as H5 bird flu spreads to wild birds

New Zealand introduces strict biosecurity measures for poultry farms amid rising H5 bird flu cases in wild birds, aiming to bolster preparedness and protect the food supply.

New Zealand has moved to tighten poultry biosecurity as authorities brace for a wider spread of H5 bird flu in wild birds, with Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard saying the virus will “almost certainly establish in wild birds”.

Under regulations approved by Cabinet, operators with more than 100 birds will have to develop, register and implement farm biosecurity plans covering avian disease prevention and response. The plans will need records, audits and procedures for humane culling, disposal, cleaning and disinfection if flocks are hit.

The Ministry for Primary Industries said the measures are intended to lift preparedness across the sector while leaving farms flexibility in how they comply. Officials said the rules are designed to protect poultry businesses, domestic food supply, trade, wild and captive birds, other animals and people.

The move follows New Zealand’s first confirmed H5 detection on 15 July, and comes as Australia’s Department of Agriculture has reported 27 confirmed or presumed positive detections in wild seabirds, with no cases in poultry or the wider agricultural system.

Biosecurity measures in the poultry sector have until now been voluntary. Mr Hoggard argued that farms taking precautions can still be exposed by those that do not. MPI said it consulted last year and received 36 submissions, with broad support. The regulations are expected to be drafted and shared with industry before taking effect by the end of 2026.