New Zealanders concerned about H5 bird flu can hear directly from experts leading the country’s response on a free online webinar next month.

Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital (TMBC) and Te Tira Whakamātaki (TTW) are co-hosting Understanding the Aotearoa Response to H5 Bird Flu (HPAI H5N1) on October 15.

The free webinar comes as H5 bird flu has reached New Zealand shores, prompting increased efforts to protect wildlife, poultry production and public health.

The webinar will gather representatives from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Department of Conservation (DoC), Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora and Bay of Plenty Regional Council to answer questions about the outbreak and response.

MPI deputy chief veterinary officer Maryna Sokolova said in a media release that New Zealand was acting quickly to reduce the impacts of the disease.

“It’s important people understand what H5 bird flu is, what it means for New Zealand, and the simple steps they can take to protect wildlife, limit spread, and keep safe,” she said.

Sokolova said MPI was working closely with government agencies, iwi, industry and local authorities.

Topics include the H5 response, how the virus spreads, the risk to humans, what people should do if they find sick or dead birds, and long-term management of the disease.

DoC principal adviser Suliana Teasdale will discuss potential impacts on native wildlife and conservation efforts.

“Many of our native species are vulnerable to H5 bird flu, and it is vital that New Zealanders understand what to look for,” she said.

Other speakers include Biosecurity New Zealand director of avian influenza Angus McKay, Health New Zealand clinical lead for highly pathogenic avian influenza Emma Sherwood and Bay of Plenty Regional Council biosecurity team leader Shane Grayling.

The webinar is 1pm to 2pm on Thursday, October 15.

Register on the Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital website.