Phillip Island penguins to be vaccinated for bird flu
The targeted vaccination of 5,000 penguins is claimed to be the largest wild bird vaccination program undertaken globally.
Victorian authorities are set to vaccinate around 5,000 little penguins against H5N1 bird flu over several weeks. The penguins will be herded into pens during their daily migrations and receive two doses of the vaccine. Victoria's chief biodiversity officer, James Todd, explained that penguins are at risk because they live in close proximity and come into contact with other seabirds carrying the virus.
Wildlife vaccinations require two doses, and Victoria needs 10,000 doses to meet its target. The injectable vaccine, initially developed for poultry, won't be used for broadscale bird vaccinations but will be targeted at at-risk species. The ACDP scientists are monitoring the potential mutations in the virus to assess any increased risk to humans or other mammals.
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