The fatal detection on the world’s largest little penguin colony comes as the virus continues moving through wild bird populations across Victoria and New South Wales.
Phillip Island Little Penguin Colony Faces Emergency Vaccination After First H5 Bird Flu Death
Victoria’s first H5 bird flu case in a little penguin has been confirmed on Phillip Island, according to the state government. A spokesperson confirmed the infected little penguin has died. While officials did not disclose the exact location where the bird was discovered, they confirmed it was not inside the island’s famous penguin parade area. Phillip Island supports about 40,000 little penguins, representing the world’s biggest colony of the species.
Logistics of the World’s Largest Wild Bird Vaccination Program
The rollout is scheduled to begin on Monday, according to state announcements.
Administering vaccines to wild birds is challenging, but officials noted that Victoria’s wild little penguins generally return to the same burrows at Phillip Island and St Kilda each night. However, vaccination requires the delivery of two doses with a gap of a few weeks between each dose. James Todd, Victoria’s chief biodiversity officer, acknowledged public concern regarding the timeline. “We know that the detection in a little penguin on Phillip Island is of concern,” Todd said, adding that vaccination remains a meaningful way in which it can help mitigate the impact of H5 on those populations.
Wider Spread Across Victoria and New South Wales Triggers Increased Surveillance
Meanwhile, the NSW government confirmed the fifth detected case in the state, in a tern found at Eden on the far south coast, prompting increased surveillance in the area as a result. Additional New South Wales cases include birds found at Narooma and Wentworth, with all of the confirmed cases in local birds having been in greater crested terns.
Did you know?
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the first little penguin H5 bird flu case found?
The case was confirmed on Victoria’s Phillip Island, not inside the island’s famous penguin parade area, according to the Victorian government.
How many doses do the little penguins need?
The vaccination requires the delivery of two doses with a gap of a few weeks between each dose, according to state agriculture details.
Are other bird species affected in Australia?
Yes. State authorities have confirmed multiple cases in greater crested terns across locations including Lakes Entrance, Dromana, Eden, Narooma, and Wentworth.
Stay informed on unfolding developments across Australia by subscribing to our email updates and exploring our latest environmental news coverage.
Related reading