Issue 14, 11 March 2026
The Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand (PIANZ) and the Egg Producers Federation (EPF) have joined with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to provide farmers with this update about our preparations for high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1.
A Window That’s Also a Shield: New Zealand Poultry Industry Launches a New Website to Help Farmers Combat Bird Flu
With the H5N1 strain of bird flu on the rise again in the UK and US, the New Zealand poultry industry has just launched a website that can help Kiwi producers keep their flocks safe.
Bird flu is almost certainly coming to New Zealand. Authorities and industry experts believe it is a matter of when, not if. But Kiwi poultry farmers currently have a window of opportunity. Right now, New Zealand and our neighbours, including Australia and the Pacific Islands, remain free from the highly pathogenic bird flu strain H5N1. While New Zealand still has time to prepare, local industry representatives are doing what they can to forewarn and forearm the producers of local chicken meat and eggs.
The industry bodies PIANZ (Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand) and EPF (Egg Producers Federation of New Zealand) have just launched a website that aims to be a one-stop-shop for all things bird flu. The site was put together by an industry team, closely supported by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
PIANZ and EPF Executive Director Fiona MacMillan says while no site can do everything, this website will be the first place for industry professionals to look, and she wants them to look now.
“We’re really urging people not to wait. Do not be complacent. The H5N1 strain could get here any day now. This new website is focused as much on prevention as it is on coping with the disease outbreak itself. And if H5N1 gets hold, it will be devastating for the producers affected.”
Fiona credits a small, hard-working team at PIANZ/EPF for creating the website in double quick time.
Joanne Thomas, the Industry Lead, HPAI Readiness says they only had a few weeks to pull everything together.
“We know how urgent the situation is. We need farmers and producers to understand the risks of bird flu now. Prevention is much better than the lengthy and expensive process of de-population, disposal and decontamination. So, we hope everyone on the production side of both chickens and eggs will take a look at the website immediately and start thinking about what they need to do to get ready.”
Biosecurity is key to readiness. Joanne says the site has useful guides and tools on the “prevent” side. It also contains a number of interactive features such as “find a contractor” that will help producers, no matter what region they are in.
Fiona says the site isn’t finished. “In fact, that’s the idea. We want this site to continue to grow and evolve. Farmer and producer feedback will be a vital part of that. We want all our industry people to jump on the site and take a look around. If you see something you want more of, please just ask us. We need to use the window we have now to build a shield against the damage that bird flu can do. We’re in a lucky position and we should use it.”
Help us help you. Take our short survey.
The website is now live and provides a solid foundation of tools and support to help you act quickly if bird flu appears in your flock. But there’s more work to be done, and your experience is crucial in shaping it.
By completing the five‑minute survey, you’ll help us understand what works on your farm, what doesn’t, and what support would make the biggest difference. Your input helps us get this right for you and for every farmer.
Take the survey here: Help Us Help You – Prepare for Bird Flu
The Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand (PIANZ) and the Egg Producers Federation (EPF) have joined with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to provide farmers with this update about our preparations for high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1.
Don’t let bird flu take flight: MPI encourages backyard bird owners to get prepared
All New Zealanders bird owners have an important role to play in preparing for the potential arrival of bird flu, says Dr Mary van Andel, Ministry for Primary Industries’ Chief Veterinary Officer.
“That’s why we’re raising awareness of bird flu or high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 among backyard chicken owners, lifestyle block owners, and other bird owners. We’re encouraging them to take steps now to protect their birds”.
MPI’s awareness campaign is currently live online, on rural radio, and in rural supply stores across the motu. The campaign promotes three important actions:
- Watch. Look for signs of illness in your birds and contact your vet if concerned.
- Separate. Prevent contact between your birds and wild birds.
- Scrub. Clean your boots, gear, surfaces and hands often.
“MPI and the poultry industry have been working closely to prepare for the potential arrival of bird flu. It’s important that other bird owners also understand this disease and know how to prepare” says Dr van Andel.
“We’re encouraging backyard bird owners to spend time looking at how they keep their birds and thinking about small changes they can make to improve their set-up”.
Detailed advice for bird owners is available at www.mpi.govt.nz/bird-flu.
Check out the first in a series of campaign videos here
This animation explains ‘what is bird flu’, including symptoms to look out for, how the disease spreads, and biosecurity measures to take.
Contact us:
If you require further information please contact [email protected]
Prepared by: Ministry for Primary Industries, Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand & Egg Producers Federation
