Bird flu is here: Vaccinations to protect penguins

The State Government has announced it will fund vaccinations for Phillip Island's little penguins, to protect the colony from H5 bird flu.

The news comes the government confirmed cases of the H5 bird flu had been found on Phillip Island, although not in the penguin colony.

Vaccinations have already arrived on the island and will start being administered early next week, pending final regulatory approvals.

The penguins at St Kilda will also be part of the vaccination program.

The government said vaccination will be challenging, as each bird needs to be caught twice and receive two doses. More than 5000 penguins across the two locations are expected to be vaccinated.

Little penguins usually return to the same colonies and burrows, providing a rare opportunity to vaccinate a wild population and monitor their response over time.

“We are privileged to have the opportunity to lead what is believed to be the world's largest vaccination program involving wild birds, building knowledge that could help protect little penguins and strengthen wildlife disease preparedness both in Australia and internationally," said Phillip Island Nature Parks CEO Catherine Basterfield.

The government said vaccination won’t stop H5 bird flu from circulating, but it can help reduce its impact alongside existing biosecurity, surveillance and wildlife response measures.

"We can’t stop H5 bird flu circulating in wild birds, but we can take practical steps to protect vulnerable species like our little penguins from its impacts," said Minister for Environment Jaclyn Symes.

“Vaccination is one response measure, alongside strong biosecurity and surveillance, that can help manage the impact on our wildlife.”

The broader vaccine rollout will also prioritise vulnerable species held in captivity, including animals in zoos and other managed populations across Victoria.

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP said the federal government had invested $113 million to help the country prepare for the arrive of bird flu, with $2 million into vaccinations and trials.

The vaccination program rollout comes as H5 bird flu continues to be detected in wild birds, predominantly greater crested terns, with new cases at Phillip Island, Mildura, Warrnambool, Hamilton, St Andrews Beach and Hawkesdale.

New signage has been erected across Phillip Island alerting people to the dangers of H5 bird flu, including a QR code to report any sick or dead animals.