First H5N1 bird flu death recorded in Phillip Island penguins
A Phillip Island penguin has died from H5N1 bird flu in the first detection among the island's little penguin colony, ahead of vaccinations beginning on Monday.
A Phillip Island little penguin has become the first victim of the H5N1 bird flu strain in Victoria, marking its first recorded death in the island's penguin colony. This is one of three new detections of the virus in the state, announced by Victoria's chief veterinary officer, Graeme Cooke, on Saturday, ahead of vaccination plans for the penguins in the coming days.
The penguin in question was found away from the Phillip Island penguin parade, a popular attraction that draws visitors nationwide and internationally. Three other birds in Victoria have also died from bird flu - a great crested tern in Lakes Entrance and another in Dromana. This brings the total number of bird flu cases in Victoria to 74, though Cooke acknowledges there might be more undetected cases.
Chief biodiversity officer James Todd highlighted the significance of this outbreak, as the areas involved host several at-risk bird species that are expected to breed this spring, potentially leading to large wildlife losses. Despite the distressing nature of the detection, the vaccination program for the Phillip Island penguins will commence on Monday, as authorities are working diligently to protect these iconic species.
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