Almost 10,000 native birds across the country have been identified for vaccination against H5 bird flu as part of a globally significant effort to protect some of Australia’s unique and much-loved wild birds.
Since 2024, the Albanese Labor Government has undertaken a significant amount of work to prepare for the use of vaccinations to protect some of Australia’s most vulnerable native birds from H5 bird flu.
This work has been backed by an investment of almost $2 million to procure vaccines and undertake trials and pilot studies in conjunction with the CSIRO and leading scientists to support the safe and effective use of vaccination.
This funding is part of the Government’s total bird flu investment of more than $270 million.
Last month, the Commonwealth and states and territories agreed to a national approach for the rollout of vaccines to priority native bird species.
Nationally, state and territory Chief Veterinary Officer-endorsed vaccination plans currently include 162 unique species, with the proposed vaccination of 9916 native birds.
Native bird species proposed for vaccination include little penguins, orange-bellied parrots, swift parrots, regent honeyeaters and plains-wanderers.
Vaccinations will commence soon at the National Zoo and Aquarium in the Australian Capital Territory starting with little penguins and other captive birds in an approved vaccination plan.
States and territories are responsible for rolling out vaccination activities in their jurisdictions, including determining which species to vaccinate.
Vaccination activities are guided by expert scientific advice and build on the work states and territories have been undertaking on the ground to manage the impact of H5 bird flu.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
“Australia is home to some of the world’s most iconic and beautiful birdlife.
“Our Government is taking the threat of H5 bird flu to this birdlife seriously, which is why we are undertaking this globally significant vaccination effort.
“We have invested almost $2 million and have done a significant amount of work with the CSIRO and leading scientists to prepare for this vaccination effort.
“We will continue working closely with states and territories on this vaccination effort to protect our nation’s unique and iconic birdlife from the threat of H5 bird flu.”
