Clarification: Guidance on HPAI

24 April 2026

The Vet Council recently published guidance about high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), which we developed with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). This is for veterinarians when they suspect a wild bird may be infected with the H5N1 strain of HPAI.

We would like to remind vets that the guidance is specifically for the context of an HPAI outbreak. It is not intended as general advice for the management of sick or injured wildlife. 

The guidance allows veterinarians to use their professional judgement, taking into account their own capability, resources available, and the risk to themselves, their staff, and the public. An HPAI outbreak would present an exceptional and high‑risk situation, rather than a business‑as‑usual approach to wildlife practice.

MPI has also published resources for veterinarians on preparing for and responding to HPAI, which have been circulated to the profession, including:

• https://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/pest-and-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/animal-disease-threats-to-new-zealand/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza/information-for-veterinarians-about-avian-influenza  
• https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/69219-Guidance-for-general-practice-veterinarians-on-HPAI