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Australia Vows Bird Flu Vaccine for Native Species
11 Aug
Summary
- Australia will begin vaccinating at-risk native birds against H5N1 avian influenza.
- The vaccination drive will prioritize captive species most vulnerable to the virus.
- The move follows an outbreak that has caused mass deaths among seabirds.
Australia is set to commence inoculating its at-risk native bird populations against the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. This measure follows the virus's wider spread after its initial discovery in June. Agriculture minister Julie Collins confirmed the vaccination drive will start in the coming days and weeks, with initial focus on priority species held in captivity.
These priority species will be selected based on their vulnerability to H5 bird flu and potential conservation impact. While the spread among wild birds cannot be stopped, the government aims to protect the most endangered species. This initiative mirrors New Zealand's decision in July to vaccinate key breeding birds from five endangered species.
The announcement follows Australia's first reported mass seabird death last week, an escalation of an outbreak that began with migratory species and spread to local native birds last month. Australia was the last continent to report bird flu, though it was detected in late 2025 on its sub-Antarctic territory of Heard Island.
