The NSW Government has commenced a rollout of targeted vaccinations for vulnerable species of birds to help protect them against H5 avian influenza (bird flu).
A combination of insurance populations in captivity and wild populations of birds will be vaccinated. This includes the Little Penguins in Manly and Barunguba Montague Island.
Taronga Conservation Society Australia vaccinated the first birds this week, with trial cohorts of Little Penguins, Carnaby's Black Cockatoos and Red-tailed Black Cockatoos among the first species to receive the initial dose of the two-dose vaccine course.
The NSW Government is working with Taronga to vaccinate and monitor wild Little Penguins at Manly Point.
Other wildlife facilities across NSW will join the state's vaccine program, ensuring as many species as possible can be covered.
The vaccine requires two doses, administered three-to-four weeks apart. Birds in trials must remain in a controlled environment while completing their primary vaccination course and for 14 days following the second dose so they can be closely monitored for any adverse effects.
The NSW Government is continuing to work with wildlife organisations and other relevant partners to assess potential vaccination sites and ensure appropriate infrastructure, safety measures, veterinary oversight and other requirements are in place before vaccination commences.
NSW is continuing to learn about how the vaccine performs in native wildlife. The controlled vaccination program will provide an opportunity to closely monitor vaccinated animals and identify any potential adverse effects as further plans to vaccinate are progressed.
Complementing the broader rollout of vaccinations, Taronga is leading a vaccine trial that will provide valuable data on immune responses, vaccine effectiveness and future vaccination strategies in threatened and zoo-managed birds.
NSW is taking a careful, evidence-based approach to vaccination, with animal welfare, safety and the latest scientific and veterinary advice guiding decisions about when we use vaccines.
Vaccination is not a standalone solution or a silver bullet for H5 bird flu. It is one tool within a broader response that includes surveillance, preparedness planning, biosecurity and conservation measures.
NSW continues to strengthen surveillance and preparedness for H5 bird flu and has established preparedness plans for priority wildlife sites across the state.
Bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks or captive birds anywhere in Australia and the risk to human health remains low.
The community also plays an important role in early detection. If you encounter a suspected sick bird or marine mammal, avoid contact, record what you see and report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
More than 5,000 calls have been received by the Hotline which has been up and running since June at the State Coordination Centre in Orange.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"The unfortunate reality is that H5 bird flu is a significant threat to our native bird populations.
"While no government can stop the virus from spreading, vaccination programs like this one rolling out at Taronga Zoo are part of our efforts to help protect some of Australia's most beloved native birds."
Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:
"We are deeply concerned about the impact that H5 bird flu could have on our native wildlife.
"No government policy can stop this virus form spreading through our wild bird populations. What we can do to support our wildlife is vaccinate insurance populations, protect their habitat and eliminate invasive species.
"From captive wildlife to wild populations, we are carefully considering where vaccination can help protect our precious birds"
Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"This targeted vaccination program is another important step in NSW's ongoing work to prepare for and respond to H5 bird flu.
"Vaccination is not a silver bullet, but it is one practical tool we can use alongside surveillance and preparedness planning to help protect vulnerable native wildlife.
"We know this disease presents risks for native wildlife and poultry producers which is why we having been planning for some time with our best veterinary and scientific advisors plus working closely with industry and wildlife groups.
Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Chief Executive Cameron Kerr AO said:
"Taronga is pleased to be working closely with the NSW Government on this nationally significant effort to help protect some of Australia's most vulnerable bird species from the threat of H5 Bird Flu.
"As a conservation and science-based organisation, this vaccine trial represents an important opportunity to strengthen the scientific evidence base for avian influenza vaccination in threatened birds.
"Through this work, Taronga will generate valuable data on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine across a diverse range of species, helping to inform future disease preparedness and response efforts across Australia's unique wildlife."
