Understanding Bird Flu (H5N1) and Raw Pet Food

Yes, although infections in companion animals remain uncommon.

Cats appear particularly susceptible, although infection has also been reported in dogs.

Overseas, infections have been associated with exposure to infected birds and contaminated environments, as well as consumption of infected animal products, including raw poultry and unpasteurised milk.

The most important risks for pets include:

• eating or coming into contact with sick or dead wild birds

• exposure to areas contaminated by infected birds

• consuming animal products sourced from infected animals

There have been no detections of H5N1 in New Zealand’s commercial poultry industry, and we are not recommending any change to feeding Raw Essentials products.

All chicken, duck and turkey used in our products is sourced within New Zealand through regulated commercial supply chains.

We also maintain ingredient traceability, allowing us to quickly identify suppliers and affected ingredients if a risk were to emerge.

We are continuing to monitor:

• MPI surveillance and guidance

• further detections in New Zealand wildlife

• the health status of commercial poultry

• information from our poultry suppliers

If the situation changes, we may introduce additional supplier verification, change ingredient sourcing or temporarily adjust affected products.

Pet owners should take sensible precautions around wildlife:

• prevent pets from eating or investigating sick or dead birds

• supervise dogs closely in areas where affected wildlife has been reported

• follow MPI advice if further detections occur

• contact your veterinarian if your pet becomes unwell after possible exposure to a sick or dead bird

H5N1 has now been detected in New Zealand, but there have been no detections of H5N1 in New Zealand’s commercial poultry industry

Raw Essentials will continue to monitor the situation, work closely with our suppliers and communicate clearly if anything changes that affects our products or feeding recommendations.

Can pets catch bird flu?

Yes, although infections in companion animals remain uncommon. Most reported cases have involved cats, but dogs can also become infected.

Has H5N1 been detected in New Zealand?

Yes. It was detected for the first time on 15 July 2026 in a single wild seabird. There have been no detections of H5N1 in New Zealand’s commercial poultry industry.

Should I stop feeding Raw Essentials raw food?

No. There is currently no evidence of H5N1 in New Zealand's commercial poultry supply, and we are not recommending any change to feeding Raw Essentials products.

Can I still feed raw eggs?

Yes. There have been no detections of H5N1 in New Zealand’s commercial poultry industry, and we are not currently recommending any change to feeding commercially sourced raw eggs.

If you keep your own backyard chickens, continue to monitor your flock for signs of illness and follow MPI guidance as the situation develops. Eggs from healthy birds remain appropriate to feed. If your chickens become unwell or H5N1 is suspected, do not feed their eggs raw until appropriate veterinary or MPI advice has been sought.

Some people may prefer to use eggs that have been collected and stored for a few days, allowing time to confirm that the laying hen and the rest of the flock remain healthy. This has not been established as a specific disease-control measure, but may provide additional reassurance when feeding raw eggs from your own chickens.

Could Raw Essentials products contain bird flu?

There is currently no evidence of H5N1 in New Zealand's commercial poultry supply. We source poultry through regulated New Zealand supply chains, maintain ingredient traceability and are monitoring the situation closely.

What precautions should pet owners take?

Do not allow pets to eat or investigate sick or dead wild birds, and follow MPI advice if further detections occur.

What would Raw Essentials do if the risk increased?

We would respond based on the location and extent of any outbreak. This could include additional supplier verification, changing ingredients or sourcing, withdrawing affected products or recalling products if necessary.

Where can I learn more?

For current information, refer to the Ministry for Primary Industries, the World Organisation for Animal Health and relevant veterinary authorities.