New Zealand detects H5N1 avian influenza for the first time, sources from migratory seabirds.

Andrew Hoggard, director of biosecurity in New Zealand, reported on Wednesday that a migratory seabird was found on a beach near the capital of Wellington, and the test result for highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was positive, marking the country's first case of infection with this virus. The infected bird is a brown skua. Last month, Australia detected the virus, making Oceania the last continent to have this strain. Since 2021, highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza virus has spread widely among wild birds and mammals, causing the deaths of millions of animals. Many poultry and dairy farms have been affected, and some farm workers have also been infected. Hoggard said in a statement, "There is currently no evidence of widespread deaths of wild animals in New Zealand, and no evidence of virus transmission among wild birds. The virus has not been detected in poultry farms." New Zealand had previously deployed measures to combat H5N1 avian influenza, working with the poultry industry to develop biosecurity control plans and risk management strategies.