Avian influenza in wild birds – what do horse owners need to know?
The NZEHA would like to acknowledge the recent detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5) in wild birds in New Zealand. While our primary focus is horses, influenza viruses are known for their ability to affect multiple animal species, making this an issue of interest to all animal owners.
There is no need for horse owners to be alarmed. New Zealand's first detections of H5 avian influenza have been limited to wild birds, and to date there have been no detections in poultry. Biosecurity New Zealand, the Department of Conservation, and industry partners have increased surveillance and monitoring activities in birds to ensure any further spread is identified quickly.
What you need to know about the HPAI detections in New Zealand
New Zealand recently confirmed its first detections of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in wild birds, including a brown skua found at Petone Beach and a kāhu (swamp harrier) found in the Wairarapa. There is currently no evidence of transmission among wild bird populations and no detections in poultry.
This H5 virus is different from the H7N6 avian influenza outbreak that occurred on a commercial poultry farm in Otago in 2024 and was successfully eradicated. The current H5 strain is part of the lineage that has spread widely through wild bird populations around the world and has occasionally infected a range of mammalian species.
Horses are natural hosts of equine influenza virus, which is genetically similar to avian influenza. Overseas, horses have been tested and found to have immune responses to H5 HPAI, but there have been no reports of horses becoming unwell due to infection with the H5 HPAI virus. While the risk to horses in New Zealand is considered very low, influenza viruses can occasionally cross species barriers. For this reason, ongoing surveillance, strong biosecurity practices, and early detection remain important for all animal owners.
What does this mean for horse owners?
At this stage, not a great deal. There is currently no evidence that horses in New Zealand are at risk from the current detections, and the focus of the response remains on monitoring wild birds and protecting the poultry sector. However, this serves as a timely reminder to maintain good biosecurity practices around your horses, particularly if you are visiting areas where wild birds congregate.
Horse owners should:
Maintain good hygiene practices when moving between properties and animal facilities.
Where practical, minimise contact between horses and wild birds by storing feed securely, cleaning up feed spillages promptly, and managing feeding and watering areas that may attract birds such as sparrows, starlings, pigeons, and waterfowl.
Avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds and keep pets away from them.
Wash hands and clean footwear and equipment after visiting beaches, wetlands, or other areas frequented by wild birds.
Stay informed through official Biosecurity New Zealand updates.
Biosecurity New Zealand is asking the public to remain vigilant. If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds in a group, report it immediately to the Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66 or through the MPI reporting website. Do not handle or move the birds.
