Australia will begin vaccinating vulnerable native birds against the deadly H5N1 bird flu, the government announced on Tuesday. The virus was first detected in the country in June, and the rollout aims to protect species at high risk.
The vaccine will be administered to birds in captivity, including those in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, as part of a broader strategy to safeguard biodiversity. The government has not yet specified which species will be prioritized, but conservation groups have called for swift action.
According to the agriculture department, the vaccine has been shown to be effective in trials, though it does not provide complete immunity. Officials emphasized that biosecurity measures remain crucial in preventing the spread of the virus.
The announcement comes as H5N1 continues to spread globally, causing significant mortality in wild bird populations. Australia had previously remained free of the virus, but its arrival has raised concerns for endemic species such as the black swan and little penguin.
