Source: New Zealand Government
The government is boosting support for wildlife care facilities because of their key role in New Zealand’s bird flu surveillance and response, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka and Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard say.
Six accredited wildlife care facilities will share $150,000 in one-off funding:
Dunedin Wildlife Hospital
Wellington Zoo
Auckland Zoo (NZCCM)
BirdCare Aotearoa
South Island Wildlife Hospital
Massey Wildbase Hospital
“Wildlife care facilities are important partners in protecting our vulnerable native species,” Mr Potaka says.
“Their staff and volunteers make a valuable contribution to conservation and help us understand emerging threats like bird flu. This funding recognises that work and helps them keep caring for wildlife safely.”
“These facilities are an important part of New Zealand’s surveillance for bird flu, as part of existing contracts with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI),” Mr Hoggard says.
“Early detection will be critical to limiting the impact on industries, wildlife and communities if bird flu spreads beyond individual wild birds. This funding lets facilities target what they need most, whether that’s stronger biosecurity protocols, new equipment or more capacity to care for sick or injured native birds.”
MPI has also offered wider support to wildlife care facilities, including equipment and practical information.
The public has an important role in early detection. People should not touch sick or dead birds and should report groups of three or more to MPI’s exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66 or at report.mpi.govt.nz.
For one or two sick or injured native birds or other wildlife, call DOC’s emergency hotline on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). Please don’t handle wildlife or take them home or to DOC offices.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/24/funding-boost-for-bird-flu-surveillance/