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Bird Flu Hits Phillip Island Penguins
16 Aug
Summary
- Victoria confirmed Australia's first H5 bird flu case in a little penguin.
- A vaccination push for thousands of little penguins begins on Monday.
- Phillip Island's colony of about 40,000 little penguins is at risk.
Victoria has confirmed the first case of H5 bird flu in Australia affecting a little penguin, a discovery that has amplified concerns for the species on Phillip Island. This infected penguin was found outside the main Penguin Parade precinct and later died, prompting urgent action.
A significant vaccination program for wild birds is commencing on Monday. This initiative aims to inoculate over 5000 little penguins at Phillip Island and St Kilda, known for their large populations. The penguins' habit of returning to the same burrows aids in locating them for vaccination.
Each penguin requires two doses of the vaccine administered several weeks apart. This large-scale effort is a critical tool, though not a guarantee, to mitigate the potential impact of H5 bird flu on this vulnerable colony, which numbers approximately 40,000 individuals. Authorities urge the public to avoid touching sick wildlife.
