Jemma Geoghegan: Otago University evolutionary virologist on the first case of H5N1 bird flu reaching New Zealand

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge · Jul 16, 2026 · 3m · transcript

No surprises bird flu has reached our shores, as New Zealanders are asked to keep an eye out for transmission escalation.

A sub-Antarctic seabird found on Wellington's Petone Beach last week has tested positive for the H5N1 strain.

Officials say symptoms to look out for in birds include paralysis, shaking, respiratory issues, or diarrhoea.

Otago University evolutionary virologist Jemma Geoghegan told Ryan Bridge there's no evidence of widespread transmission yet.

She says once it starts spreading between birds on the mainland, that's when there's a risk the virus could get into poultry sheds…