New Zealand Allocates $150,000 to Wildlife Care Facilities for Bird Flu Surveillance

LATEST MATERIAL CHANGE

What changed?

The New Zealand government announced a one‑off grant of $150,000 to six accredited wildlife care facilities—Dunedin Wildlife Hospital, Wellington Zoo, Auckland Zoo (NZCCM), BirdCare Aotearoa, South Island Wildlife Hospital, and Massey Wildbase Hospital—to strengthen bird flu surveillance and response. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka and Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard said the funding will help facilities enhance biosecurity protocols, acquire new equipment, and increase capacity to care for sick or injured native birds. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will also provide broader support, including equipment and practical information. MPI urges the public to avoid handling sick or dead birds and to report suspected cases via its hotline or online portal.

Why it matters

The grant supports early detection of bird flu, protecting native species, industries, and communities by bolstering surveillance and response capabilities across key wildlife care facilities.