Public health advisory update: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu)

Updated public health guidance for avian influenza is now available within the Health New Zealand Communicable Disease Control (CDC) Manual and has been shared with local Public Health Services.

Guidance for clinicians seeing patients in community or hospital settings remains unchanged. Clinicians are asked to continue to follow guidance provided in the Health NZ Public Health Advisory (dated 10 June 2024) and in HealthPathways.

In particular

• Consider avian influenza in people with compatible symptoms and the following epidemiological risk factors: 
  • recent overseas travel (within 10 days before symptom onset) to countries with ongoing HPAI outbreaks AND contact with sick or dead animals or birds (or droppings/faeces) or visited dairy/poultry farms or live bird markets overseas within 10 days before symptom onset. 

• Isolate the patient and follow airborne and contact infection control precautions.  

• Notify the local Public Health Service on suspicion of avian influenza.  

• In conjunction with public health, seek infectious disease and microbiology advice regarding assessment, testing and treatment.  

• Further guidance is also available in the avian influenza chapter. 

Additional information 

• A supporting information sheet about avian influenza, health sector preparedness and specific guidance prepared for other sector groups. 
• A copy of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza incursion health sector framework document that has been developed to help the sector prepare for and respond to an HPAI incursion in animals.