New Zealand bird flu news: People making stuff up on social media

 

Headline:  The New Zealand Herald, 9/3/2026

Katie Todd reports:

As biosecurity and conservation groups work to shield the country’s wildlife from any spread of bird flu, researchers say some New Zealanders are embracing false narratives about the virus on social media. 

After three detections of the deadly avian influenza, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is encouraging people to report any sightings of three or more sick or dead wild birds, but hundreds of people online are claiming the virus is a hoax. 

MPI has been monitoring the spread of the highly contagious viral disease overseas for more than 20 years and the H5N1 strain for the past six, with response and surveillance work underway to protect poultry production and wildlife.

Other New Zealand bird flu posts:

Some hens will soon be released from lockdown.  (8/25)

New Zealand reports 3rd case of bird flu.  (8/23)

Concern over survival of some species.  (8/20)

Bird-proofing sheds against bird flu.  (8/20)

New Zealand avian flu news:  Ditch those bird feeders, folks!  (8/12)

Avian flu threatens rare birds of New Zealand.  (8/10)

Largest New Zealand egg producer puts free-range chickens in lockdown as precautionary measure.  (7/20)

First bird flu case in New Zealand creates atmosphere of panic.  (7/20

New Zealand reports first case of bird flu.  (7/16)