UPDATED 7 SEPTEMBER: Fisher and observer Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) guidance
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) reaching birds — including seabirds — has reached New Zealand.
Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) and the NZ Fishing Health and Safety Forum have collaborated to produce the Fisher and Observer Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Guidance (updated July 2026, finalised September 2026), which guides fishing vessel operators, crew, and observers on the management of risks related to bird flu and ensures everyone operates off a consistent approach. These guidelines have recently been reviewed and updated, and will be revised frequently as the domestic situation evolves.
Please review and share with your crew this latest one-page guide (noting it is still in draft and may be amended), which focuses on:
recognising the symptoms of bird flu in wild birds and marine mammals
wearing appropriate PPE
properly sanitising surfaces and PPE
how to report suspected cases of HPAI / bird flu.
More information on New Zealand’s response to bird flu is available on the Ministry for Primary Industries website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/bird-flu