Race to vaccinate after deadly bird flu milestone

Australia has initiated a large-scale vaccination program for penguins on Phillip Island in response to the first known case of bird flu in a mammal, a long-nosed fur seal, found dead on Beachport in South Australia. The seal is believed to have contracted the H5 bird flu from wild birds. Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins stated that while the development was concerning, it was not unexpected as infections in other wildlife, particularly marine mammals, are anticipated in areas with high bird flu rates in wild birds.

The vaccination aims to vaccinate a total of 1000 penguins, the largest such project globally. Phillip Island Nature Parks' chief executive, Catherine Basterfield, explained that the penguins are corralled into small pens for vaccinations, which require two doses. The penguins' habit of returning to the same location nightly and their familiarity with human interaction make them suitable for the program.

Although it is unclear how much the vaccination will protect the birds, the aim is to reduce disease severity if they contract it. Victorian Environment Minister Jaclyn Symes emphasized that bird flu is already widespread and efforts are to minimize its impact on the penguin colony. Jack Gough, from the Invasive Species Council, warned that the disease could be devastating for seal populations, particularly among pups, as mammal-to-mammal transmission among seals has led to high mortality rates.

The health risk to humans remains low, and the public is advised to report sick birds to authorities without approaching or touching them.