Breaking: First H5N1 bird flu detection confirmed in Australian dolphin

Australia's iconic mammals, such as the Tasmanian devil, could be at risk from bird flu, a virus that has already caused significant mortality in pinnipeds like elephant seals. Scientists are developing an edible vaccine for Tasmanian devils to prevent the spread of devil facial tumor disease, a contagious cancer. This vaccine could potentially be adapted to protect devils and other scavenging mammals from bird flu.

However, suitable bird flu vaccines for mammals are still largely experimental. The success of oral rabies vaccines in the United States, which used weakened or modified live viruses, offers hope for a similar approach in Australia. Scientists are also developing a motion-activated smart bait dispenser to target Tasmanian devils and monitor their consumption of the vaccine.

While existing injectable avian vaccines are unsuitable for baits, faster approval pathways and flexible dosing requirements may be necessary to tackle bird flu in time.