Australia to roll out bird flu vaccines for most vulnerable native birds
Vulnerable native species will be among the first in line to be protected from the deadly strain.
Australia is set to introduce bird flu vaccines for its most susceptible native bird populations in the "coming days and weeks." The nation, which was the last continent to report cases of the highly contagious H5N1 strain, will prioritize native species and birds in captivity for protection against the lethal illness.
On Tuesday, the government announced it had procured AU$2 million ($1.4 million, £1 million) worth of H5N1 vaccinations, totaling approximately 1,500 vials. States and territories will be responsible for managing the distribution.
Australia confirmed its initial case of the highly contagious strain in June, making it the final continent to be affected. Since then, over 230 cases have been verified. Last week, the country experienced its first significant bird flu-related mortality event, with around 50 greater crested terns succumbing to the disease on an island off the coast of South Australia.
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins stated that while the program cannot halt the outbreak's spread as it intensifies, it will focus on "priority species" most vulnerable to bird flu. Collins also noted that the risk to humans remains low, and there is no indication that the disease has impacted the poultry or agriculture sectors.
She emphasized that while controlling the spread among wild birds nationwide is challenging, "we can take action to protect the species most at risk." Collins added, "The first vaccines are expected to roll out in coming days and weeks based on an agreed national approach to the targeted vaccination of priority native bird species." She cautioned, "Australians should expect to see more spread and larger numbers, particularly of dead birds and mass mortalities around the country from the H5 bird flu."
Environment Minister Murray Watt confirmed that each bird would require two doses and described the outbreak as a "serious event." Earlier this month, the government published a list evaluating the bird flu risk level for over 2,000 of the country's unique native birds and mammals, based on their vulnerability and susceptibility. A few species were identified as facing potential extinction, while hundreds of others could experience a "severe reduction" in their populations.