The Carroll Labor Government is moving quickly to protect Victoria's little penguins from H5 bird flu.
Following the Commonwealth's vaccine announcement yesterday, doses have arrived at Phillip Island and are ready to be administered early next week, pending final regulatory approvals.
More than 5,000 little penguins at Phillip Island and St Kilda are expected to be vaccinated as part of the program.
Vaccinating wild birds is challenging because each bird needs to be caught twice to receive two doses.
Little penguins usually return to the same colonies and burrows, providing a rare opportunity to vaccinate a wild population and monitor their response over time.
Vaccination won't stop H5 bird flu from circulating, but it can help reduce its impact alongside existing biosecurity, surveillance and wildlife response measures.
The broader vaccine rollout will also prioritise vulnerable species held in captivity, including animals in zoos and other managed populations across Victoria.
The rollout comes as H5 bird flu continues to be detected in wild birds, predominantly greater crested terns, with new cases at Phillip Island, Mildura, Warrnambool, Hamilton, St Andrews Beach and Hawkesdale.
There have been no detections of H5 bird flu in little penguins in Victoria or Australia to date.
Over the past three years, Phillip Island Nature Parks has invested significantly in protecting little penguin habitat.
Victoria has invested more than $130 million in biosecurity and continues to strengthen surveillance and respond as the situation evolves.
As stated by Minister for Environment Jaclyn Symes
"We can't stop H5 bird flu circulating in wild birds, but we can take practical steps to protect vulnerable species like our little penguins from its impacts."
"Vaccination is one response measure, alongside strong biosecurity and surveillance, that can help manage the impact on our wildlife."
As stated by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"The Albanese Labor Government is working closely with states and territories to protect our nation's unique and iconic birdlife from the threat of H5 bird flu.
"More than $113 million has been invested by our Government to strengthen our nation's preparedness for H5 bird flu including almost $2 million into vaccines and trials."
As stated by Phillip Island Nature Parks CEO Catherine Basterfield
"We are privileged to have the opportunity to lead what is believed to be the world's largest vaccination program involving wild birds, building knowledge that could help protect little penguins and strengthen wildlife disease preparedness both in Australia and internationally."
