Overview
- The government announced the rollout of H5N1 vaccines for at-risk native birds in the coming days and weeks, with ministers saying this targeted approach cannot stop spread among wild birds but can reduce losses for priority species.
- An initial $2 million purchase of about 1,500 vials will support the program and is focused on animals in captivity or on islands where two-dose regimens are feasible.
- Victoria plans to vaccinate up to 5,000 little penguins at Phillip Island and St Kilda, using pens and microchips to deliver and track the required two doses spaced three to four weeks apart.
- Cases have risen into the low hundreds nationally and Tasmania recorded its first confirmed H5N1 detection in a brown skua, bringing detections to six jurisdictions while commercial poultry remain free of the virus.
- Officials stress vaccines are not a silver bullet and must complement surveillance and biosecurity, and they warn of more mass mortalities while states submit priority species lists for the limited initial supply.