Government targets endangered captive species after avian influenza causes mass seabird deaths and spreads among native populations
CANBERRA: Australia will begin vaccinating vulnerable native birds against the deadly H5N1 avian influenza virus as authorities intensify efforts to protect threatened species following the disease’s expanding spread across the country.
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said on Tuesday that officials would launch the vaccination programme in the coming days and weeks, initially focusing on priority bird species kept in captivity.
Authorities will determine which species receive vaccines based on their vulnerability to H5 bird flu and the potential consequences for conservation.
Collins acknowledged that Australia could not prevent the virus from spreading among wild birds. However, she said vaccination would provide authorities with another tool to protect species facing the greatest threat.
Authorities Prioritise Endangered Species
The decision follows neighbouring New Zealand’s move in July to vaccinate around 300 breeding birds representing five of its most endangered species.
Australia has particular reason for concern because of its unique wildlife. Government figures show that approximately 45 percent of the country’s roughly 850 bird species are endemic, meaning they exist naturally nowhere else in the world.
Consequently, wildlife officials fear widespread H5N1 transmission could pose significant risks to vulnerable populations and conservation programmes.
Mass Seabird Deaths Intensify Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia reported its first mass seabird deaths linked to avian influenza last week, signalling a significant escalation of the outbreak.
Authorities first detected the virus in the country in June after infected migratory seabirds arrived. Subsequently, officials confirmed transmission among native bird species.
Australia became the last continent to report H5 bird flu, although authorities had detected the virus on the remote sub-Antarctic Heard Island territory in late 2025.
The government will now combine vaccination with existing disease surveillance and wildlife protection measures as officials track the virus’s spread.
Authorities hope the targeted programme will protect critical breeding populations while limiting the outbreak’s long-term impact on Australia’s distinctive native bird species.
