New Zealand confirms first H5N1 bird flu case in native bird

New Zealand has confirmed its first infection of a native bird with the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus. A swamp harrier hawk, known locally as a kahu and found in the Wairarapa region, has tested positive for the virus, according to Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.

This discovery comes just days after New Zealand reported its first-ever confirmed case of the disease on Wednesday. That initial case involved a brown skua, a migratory seabird, found near Wellington.

Minister Hoggard acknowledged the disappointment of finding the virus in a native species but stated it was not entirely unexpected. He explained that hawks, which hunt and scavenge birds, could potentially contract the flu from infected prey. He also confirmed that no cases have been detected in the country's poultry population.

In response to the outbreak, health officials have initiated a vaccination program targeting 300 core breeding birds from five of New Zealand's most endangered species. These include the flightless takahe and kakapo. Earlier this month, Australia also reported its first case of bird flu in a local seabird, with previous cases in the region involving migratory birds.

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While it's disappointing to find a native bird with H5 bird flu, it’s not unexpected following the confirmation earlier this week of our first case. This hawk can go out to the coast - especially in winter to hunt. Hawks can get bird flu by hunting, eating, or scavenging infected birds.