Bird flu vaccine to be rolled out to vulnerable species in captivity

The Australian government plans to vaccinate vulnerable native species in captivity against the deadly H5N1 bird flu. So far, the country has recorded 230 cases of the disease, and the first mass mortality event involving Australian wildlife was recorded last week. The specific species to be vaccinated will be determined by each state or territory jurisdiction based on their vulnerability to the disease and potential conservation impact.

Wild birds are not prioritized for vaccination due to the requirement of two vaccine doses, and practical challenges in catching wild birds twice. The government has secured an initial $2 million worth of vaccines, but the exact number of birds to be vaccinated is not specified. Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) have not recorded any bird flu cases.

The government's reporting of the disease will shift from individual case numbers to focusing on where it is spreading, new locations, or affected species. While vaccination is part of the response, biosecurity measures will remain crucial for protecting these species.