The highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu strain has been detected in Tasmania, found in the carcass of a brown skua on the state’s north-west coast, according to the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE). Months of thorough preparation preceded this detection, which now prompts multiple safeguards like enhanced monitoring and a vaccination initiative, as officials strive to reduce deaths among local fauna.
Tasmanian Devils Face Unknown Threat From Scavenging
One of the biggest unknowns following the arrival of H5N1 is how the virus will impact the state’s most iconic animal — the endangered Tasmanian devil. As carnivorous marsupials, devils regularly scavenge on animal carcasses, making it almost a certainty that some will eventually eat infected birds, according to Dr. Rachael Alderman from the NRE. While it remains unclear whether the virus will successfully infect the mammals, researchers are actively monitoring captive populations. According to Dr. Alderman, efforts are underway to bolster captive groups by minimizing illness and increasing genetic variation, though there is currently no H5 bird flu vaccine for mammals.
Did you know? Roughly 100 kilometres separate the discovery site of the infected brown skua from Albatross Island, which serves as a breeding ground for about 40 per cent of shy albatrosses.
Orange-Bellied Parrots Targeted for State Vaccination Program
With only 88 detected in the wild last year, the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot faces a significant risk from the virus, according to Tasmanian Deputy Premier Guy Barnett. To combat this threat, the state government was planning to roll out a vaccination program. Once the state government grants its approval, a captive breeding facility situated at Five Mile Beach near Hobart will distribute the vaccine to 350 orange-bellied parrots. Federal Threatened Species commissioner Fiona Fraser stated that she was “really thrilled” by the initiative, though she noted that vaccination alone is not sufficient to really build the resilience of our species to H5 bird flu.
Colony Seabirds and Migratory Shorebirds at High Risk
Across the globe, wild aquatic birds have clearly suffered the most severe consequences from the H5 bird flu pandemic. BirdLife Australia senior advisor Sean Dooley noted that the arrival of the virus in Tasmania was particularly concerning, as it is a “really important migratory shorebird and seabird area”. Australian gannets, fairy terns, little terns, white-fronted terns, short-tailed shearwaters, and shy albatrosses have all been flagged by state officials as high-risk species. Mr. Dooley warned that terns often suffered “the most severe consequences” during an outbreak of H5 bird flu, while an infection in a breeding colony of gannets could be “catastrophic”.
Pro Tip: Never touch sick or dead birds or other animals. If you encounter sick or dead birds or other animals, report them immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888 (24 hours) or via the online bird flu reporting form.
Little Penguins Excluded From Vaccine Rollout Due to Permit Conditions
Tasmania’s coastlines and nearby islands are dotted with colonies of little penguins, but the species will not receive a vaccine in Tasmania. Due to their large population size, their status as a non-threatened species, and the stringent criteria tied to acquiring vaccination permits, Deputy Premier Guy Barnett explained that these birds—while regarded as “much-loved” and “treasured”—did not qualify as a priority for the immunization initiative. According to Dr. Alderman, administering the two-dose vaccine requires close individual monitoring—something they could do for orange-bellied parrots because they have the ability to comply really easily with all those conditions, but couldn’t do with little penguins. By contrast, Victorian authorities are planning to round up 5,000 little penguins on Phillip Island to administer the H5 bird flu vaccine, as Victoria could meet the permit requirements with the Phillip Island population. Tasmanian conservation efforts for the species will instead include the removal of weeds on beaches and work to reduce the impact of pests.
Fur Seals and Elephant Seals Vulnerable to Transmission
Marine mammals are also at risk as the virus spreads through the region. Because they congregate in large numbers—a habit that accelerates disease spread—the Australian and long-nosed fur seals have been classified by the Tasmanian government as two high-risk groups. Because no vaccine is available for seals, Dr. Fraser noted that work was being done to build the resilience of wild populations. Following devastating seal mortalities previously recorded on Heard Island in the Southern Ocean, when thousands of baby seals were killed by the virus, the arrival of H5 bird flu in Tasmania brings potentially alarming news for Neil the seal, a juvenile elephant seal well-known for creating disruptions during his bi-annual trips to the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did H5N1 bird flu arrive in Tasmania?
The virus was detected in the carcass of a brown skua on the state’s north-west coast following months of careful planning.
Are Tasmanian devils receiving a bird flu vaccine?
No, there is currently no H5 bird flu vaccine for mammals. Measures are currently underway to improve disease resistance and increase genetic diversity among captive Tasmanian devil populations.
Which species are prioritized for the Tasmanian vaccination program?
Authorities are focusing their mortality-reduction efforts on species that face extinction threats, scavenge carcasses, or congregate in tight colonies; as part of this, 350 orange-bellied parrots housed at a Hobart-adjacent breeding facility in Five Mile Beach are receiving the H5 bird flu vaccine.
Can the public help report sick wildlife?
Yes. Anyone who encounters sick or dead birds or other animals is urged to contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888 (24 hours) or use the online bird flu reporting form, while not touching sick or dead birds or other animals.
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