Adelaide Zoo’s Little Penguins and Australian Pelicans are among the first birds set to receive H5 bird flu vaccinations, following approval of a new vaccination program across Zoos SA.
Zoos SA has received approval from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to begin its H5 bird flu vaccination program at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.
The program forms part of a national framework supporting targeted vaccination of priority native bird species that are captive or managed, with the Australian Government funding the vaccine and its delivery to participating facilities.
Little Penguins and Australian Pelicans at Adelaide Zoo will be vaccinated first after being assessed as being at higher risk of exposure because they live in open enclosures.
Conservation and breeding considerations have also been taken into account, particularly for species involved in coordinated conservation programs.
The vaccinations will add another layer of protection to the extensive biosecurity measures already in place across Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.
These measures include bird-proofing habitats, protecting food and water sources from wild birds, specialised feeding systems, additional roofing and increased aviary hygiene.
Zoos SA has also introduced precautions to reduce the potential spread of the virus through footwear, uniforms and equipment, while monitoring and discouraging wild bird activity around sensitive areas.
Food supplies entering both sites are also subject to additional precautions.
“There is no single measure that can remove the risk of H5 bird flu, which is why our approach is about putting multiple layers of protection around the birds in our care,” shared Zoos SA Chief Executive Dr Phil Ainsley. “Vaccination sits alongside those existing measures.”
“Our first priority is still preventing exposure wherever we can, but vaccination has the potential to give us another layer of protection for selected birds considered at greater risk.”
The move comes as South Australia continues to lead the country in reporting and tracking H5 bird flu.
More than 10,000 reports have been made to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline in the state, with almost 86 per cent of confirmed H5 bird flu events in South Australia first reported by members of the public.
Earlier this week, around 150 birds representing more than 30 species at Cleland Wildlife Park also received their first dose of the H5 bird flu vaccine as part of the State Government’s response.
The program is particularly focused on protecting vulnerable native species, including critically endangered Orange-bellied parrots and Regent honeyeaters.
Those birds will receive two doses three to four weeks apart, with their health monitored throughout the program before they are released back into their usual habitats.
Climate, Environment and Water Minister Emily Bourke said, “We know that when it comes to H5 bird flu, unfortunately there is no silver bullet, but in combination with biosecurity measures and resilience building preparedness, it is hoped that vaccination can give these species the best chance possible.
“Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park are home to so many amazing birds, including critically endangered species such as Orange-bellied parrots and we want to do everything we can to protect them from H5 bird flu.”
There have currently been no H5 bird flu detections in poultry or other livestock, while the risk to human health remains low.
South Australians are encouraged not to touch sick or dead birds or wildlife and to report sightings to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
