Tahakopa Kākāriki Protection and Enhancement Project manager Owen McNutt says he has seen several waxeyes bearing sores and tumour-like growths this spring that he has identified as bird pox.
Bird pox, or avian pox, is a viral disease that causes growths or canker-like lesions, is spread by insects and direct contact, and can be fatal.
Mr McNutt said although he had so far only observed the disease in waxeyes, he was concerned it could spread to other species in the neighbouring Beresford Range native forest.
The most recent outbreak was in 2018, where instances were recorded in Lawrence, Mosgiel, and parts of Dunedin and Waitati.
The Beresford Range was home to both the endangered kākāriki and mohua, Mr McNutt said.
"We started monitoring the kākāriki more than 20 years ago and we’ve seen numbers gradually increasing and spreading further afield from our private sanctuary here in Tahakopa.
"Mohua are also present, and it would be devastating to see the disease spread from the waxeyes to any other species, particularly those already under threat."
"[The disease] is found all over Aotearoa New Zealand and usually only occasionally causes infections, most commonly in juvenile birds. Affected birds ... usually recover after a week or two. However, secondary bacterial infections can make it more serious in some cases."
Ms McInnes said the disease was not notifiable.
"We don’t need people to report [cases]. However, if providing food or water, we’d advise people practise strict hygiene to prevent any spread. All surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Avian pox is very resistant to disinfectants, so meticulous physical cleaning of feeders is required."
Mr McNutt said he would like to hear from others who had seen instances of infection, so he could map the range and spread of the disease, via email at endangeredbirds@xtra.co.nz.
