Little penguins vaccinated to protect against deadly bird flu
New South Wales authorities are vaccinating little penguin colonies against the H5 avian flu to prevent a potential outbreak. The logistical operation involves microchipping and monitoring birds across several islands to ensure their survival.
Why it matters
This proactive conservation effort highlights the global threat of avian influenza to biodiversity and the challenges of managing wildlife health in remote environments.
A little penguin about to receive a vaccination against H5 avian flu. Photo: NSW Government.
Little penguin colonies along the Illawarra and South Coast are being vaccinated to protect them from the threat of the deadly H5 avian flu.
The vaccination program is part of NSW’s broader efforts to safeguard priority wildlife populations from the global spread of H5 bird flu, one of the most significant disease threats facing wild birds worldwide.
Almost 60 little penguins at Barunguba Montague Island have already received their first dose of the vaccine.
Teams have begun vaccinating the birds on Big Island (part of the Five Islands off Port Kembla) and Bowen Island at Jervis Bay, with programs to follow at Tollgate Islands and Snapper Island, off Batemans Bay.
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The vaccine requires two doses to be administered three to four weeks apart.
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