Vaccination for our Little Penguins
The Northern Beaches marked its first cases of H5 bird flu in a greater crested tern found dead in Warriewood in late August and a second in Dee Why a few weeks later.
With over 50 cases of bird flu confirmed in NSW and 600 nationwide (at time of print), the State Government has launched a vaccination program targeting vulnerable bird species.
One endangered species being vaccinated is the Little Penguin colony in Manly, made up of approximately 15 breeding pairs.
The State Government has teamed up with Taronga Conservation Society Australia to roll out vaccinations of the Little Penguins. Two doses of the vaccine are needed, administered three to four weeks apart, and birds are monitored for adverse effects.
“It is still too early to draw conclusions about the success or effectiveness of the vaccine in Little Penguins,” a Taronga spokesperson told
PL.
Taronga is leading a pilot study to understand how the vaccine performs in bird species in their care. This will evaluate both the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine across a broader and more diverse range of species than previously examined.
“The findings will help address important knowledge gaps and provide valuable evidence to support future disease preparedness and response efforts for native wildlife populations,” the spokesperson said.
Northern Beaches Council has welcomed the vaccination of Manly’s Little Penguins, noting it is one part of a broader response to bird flu. “While we recognise there are no silver bullets to stopping the spread of the virus here, we must do everything we can to help protect these endangered birds before any local outbreak affects the colony,” Cr Candy Bingham said.
“Alongside vaccination, continued vigilance and preparedness by all levels of government and the community will remain essential as the situation evolves.”
A NSW Government spokesperson told PL that a comprehensive plan was being implemented to ensure readiness for the spread of bird flu, including monitoring and responding to reported incidents.
The community is encouraged to report any dead or sick birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline. They should not be touched.
“Leaving sick or dead birds in situ, where safe and appropriate, is a standard and important biosecurity measure,” the government spokesperson said. “This action minimises the risk of exposure to people and reduces the risk of unintentionally spreading H5 bird flu to new areas.”
Each report made is assessed and not every incident will require action. “Actions on a report will be based on reviewing factors such as species, number of animals affected, location and the disease management risk, as well as any other testing in the area,” the spokesperson said.
Priority is given to incidents where ‘high-risk indicators’ are present. These include ‘multiple birds in the one location, sudden onset of illness, neurological or respiratory signs, or affected poultry are prioritised for further assessment.’
Taronga informed PL that bird flu ‘is a significant global wildlife disease’ which can affect other animals, ‘particularly marine mammals and species that predate on or scavenge infected birds.’ Four endangered sea lions were found dead with the disease off Kangaroo Island, SA.
While the long-term implications of bird flu in Australia remain unknown, the current strain has caused widespread animal deaths globally.
“International experience suggests H5 bird flu is likely to remain an ongoing challenge for wildlife management and conservation efforts,” said the Taronga spokesperson.
“Taronga’s vaccine trials are therefore about more than protecting animals in Taronga’s care today. It is generating vital scientific evidence to help governments, zoos and wildlife managers make informed decisions to protect vulnerable species and strengthen Australia’s preparedness and response into the future.”
