- Cook Labor Government delivers increased protection for priority bird species, including wild little penguins near Rockingham
- Australian blue-billed ducks, black swans, little penguins, and southern cassowaries among 21 birds at Perth Zoo also vaccinated
- Follows encouraging antibody response and no significant adverse reaction during black cockatoo vaccination trial at Perth Zoo
- Cook Labor Government committed to safeguarding State's wildlife and increasing preparedness for bird flu
Wild little penguins on Penguin Island, one of Western Australia's most iconic bird colonies, will be vaccinated as part of the Cook Labor Government's expanded H5 bird flu vaccination program.
Up to 35 of the little penguins will be vaccinated on Wednesday, receiving two doses in a three to four-week period and undergoing monitoring.
A further 91 birds, covering 21 native species cared for at Perth Zoo, including black swans, Australian blue-billed ducks, emus, and southern cassowaries, have also been vaccinated as part of the expanded program, which has been approved by relevant State and Federal authorities.
The vaccine requires two doses, administered three to four weeks apart, and for birds to undergo a required observation period following vaccination, with expert animal care teams and veterinarians overseeing the program.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Perth Zoo, in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and other partners, are leading vaccination planning and implementation for priority wildlife species in WA.
Federal Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins recently announced that almost 10,000 native birds across Australia had been identified for vaccination and the wider rollout of WA's vaccination program is part of co-ordinated efforts by the State and Commonwealth governments to boost preparedness for bird flu.
The Commonwealth Government has made an investment of almost $2 million to procure vaccines and undertake trials and pilot studies to support the safe and effective use of vaccination. State and territory governments are responsible for administering these vaccines.
Penguin Island supports one of the State's most beloved little penguin colonies, making proactive protection measures particularly important.
These colonies are already closely monitored through nest box monitoring, remote cameras, and microchip reader technology, which complements ongoing conservation measures such as habitat improvement and visitor management around nests.
Perth Zoo has enjoyed some encouraging results since undertaking vaccination trials with three species of black cockatoo in May. The birds remain under observation but have to date shown a positive antibody response and no significant adverse reactions.
The latest vaccinations build on the Cook Labor Government's co-ordinated response to bird flu, which includes:
- regular engagement with the poultry industry, local governments, veterinarians, and wildlife rehabilitators, including webinars and community forums;
- enhanced surveillance and testing across the State, supported by trained field teams, expanded laboratory capacity, and increased supplies of sampling equipment and personal protective equipment;
- additional training for response personnel in safe sampling techniques, biosecurity procedures, and the correct use of personal protective equipment;
- Divisional Commands established in Perth, Esperance, Albany, Bunbury, and Geraldton to co-ordinate regional operations, with additional capability in northern Western Australia ready to be activated if required;
- increased surveillance capacity across the metropolitan area, South West, Great Southern, Wheatbelt and Mid West, including joint Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions monitoring at priority coastal and island locations;
- vessels and field teams deployed to locations including Lancelin and Edwards Island to monitor wildlife populations and identify signs of illness or unusual mortality;
- a central bird flu website and weekly public updates providing clear information and helping Western Australians contribute to early detection;
- a stakeholder communications toolkit providing consistent, practical information for industry, community organisations, and other partners to share through their networks;
- regular engagement with the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases and the National Management Group;
- Bird Flu Wildlife Resilience Grants for wildlife groups to prepare for the impacts of bird flu; and
- a $1.5 million investment in the South West's first dedicated wildlife hospital.
Western Australia has recorded no new positive cases of H5 bird flu since July 2026.
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"For the first time, Western Australia's wild little penguins on Penguin Island will be vaccinated against H5 bird flu, to give them every possible protection.
"Coupled with the expansion of Perth Zoo's vaccination program to include 21 native species this is another significant step in our State's preparedness for bird flu.
"This program builds on the encouraging results of the zoo's black cockatoo vaccination trial and adds another layer of protection for Penguin Island's vulnerable little penguin colony as well as other native species."
Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food and Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Western Australia has been preparing for the arrival of H5 bird flu for several years, and vaccination is one of the tools helping strengthen our biosecurity response.
"We are continuing to invest in surveillance, preparedness, and practical measures to protect our wildlife, poultry producers, and food supply."
Comments attributed to Federal member for Brand Madeleine King:
"The little penguins of Penguin Island hold a very special place in the hearts of Rockingham locals and visitors to this beautiful part of our State.
"We know that H5 bird flu poses a significant threat to the wildlife in our community and across Western Australia, which is why the Albanese Labor Government is working with the Cook Labor Government to roll out vaccines to priority native species, like the little penguins on Penguin Island and at Perth Zoo.
"Helping to protect these little penguins is part of the Albanese Labor Government's more than $270 million H5 bird flu response, which is supporting the rollout of vaccines, biosecurity upgrades at zoos and wildlife facilities, and strengthening our State's bird flu preparedness."
Comments attributed to Rockingham MLA Magenta Marshall:
"Penguin Island and our little penguins are much-loved parts of the Rockingham community, and we want to do everything we can to protect them.
"It's great to see our local colony included in this important program, helping give these special little birds an extra layer of protection."
