Australia initiates vaccination of captive native birds against H5 bird flu amid rising realisation of wild virus spread

Australia plans to vaccinate endangered native birds in captivity against H5 bird flu as authorities grapple with increasing virus spread and mortality in wild populations, highlighting new conservation challenges.

Australia will begin vaccinating native birds held in captivity against H5 bird flu, as authorities warn the virus is likely to keep spreading and causing further mortality events. Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the first doses should be delivered “in the coming days and weeks”, with state governments to run the programme and identify priority species.

The initial focus will be endangered birds in zoos and conservation breeding programmes, including species such as the orange-bellied parrot, regent honeyeater and black cockatoo. Collins said the government could not halt transmission in wild birds, but could act to shield the most vulnerable populations.

Environment Minister Murray Watt said vaccinating wild birds was far more difficult because the course requires two doses, though he said the commonwealth would do so where feasible. Chief Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson said the rollout follows 18 months of safety and efficacy trials, adding that the available vaccines were developed for poultry and needed further assessment across different native species.

The move comes as H5 detections broaden. Authorities have reported the first mass mortalities in South Australia and Victoria, while recent cases have appeared in new species, including silver gulls. Federal agencies say surveillance and response work is being coordinated with state governments, conservation groups and the poultry sector.