Bird Flu Vaccination Program Expands To Penguin Island
Western Australian authorities have expanded a bird flu vaccination program to include little penguins on Penguin Island. The initiative involves a multi-dose vaccine regimen for various native bird species to boost preparedness against H5 bird flu.
Why it matters
Proactive vaccination of wildlife is a key strategy in preventing the spread of avian influenza among vulnerable native populations.
Wild little penguins on Penguin Island, one of Western Australia's most iconic bird colonies, will be vaccinated as part of the Cook Labor Government's expanded H5 bird flu vaccination program.
Up to 35 of the little penguins will be vaccinated on Wednesday, receiving two doses in a three to four-week period and undergoing monitoring.
A further 91 birds, covering 21 native species cared for at Perth Zoo, including black swans, Australian blue-billed ducks, emus, and southern cassowaries, have also been vaccinated as part of the expanded program, which has been approved by relevant State and Federal authorities.
The vaccine requires two doses, administered three to four weeks apart, and for birds to undergo a required observation period following vaccination, with expert animal care teams and veterinarians overseeing the program.
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