New Zealand rushes vaccination of endangered birds before deadly strain of H5N1 bird flu arrives

Many of them cannot fly, some of them like to get drunk, and others are fond of stealing. They are unique and idiosyncratic, both beloved and annoying, with many endangered as well, but New Zealand’s native birds are now under threat from a new enemy: a highly evolved strain of deadly bird flu.

The country is in the second phase of vaccination trials on native birds, with early results suggesting it could be an effective line of defence against the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian flu strain. The virus has decimated bird populations in other countries, with New Zealand experts fearing it could wipe out entire species.

Birds occupy a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders. An island nation with far more native birds than mammals, birds can dominate popular culture: a bird of the year competition is hotly contested, while a 2015 competition to reimagine the national flag saw a design featuring a Kiwi shooting lasers from its eyes become a tongue-in-cheek favourite.