Source : Perth Now news
Concern is mounting for Phillip Island’s little penguins after Victoria confirmed Australia’s first H5 bird flu case in the species.
The discovery, in a little penguin that later died, has added urgency to a vaccination push that will begin on Monday as authorities try to protect thousands of birds before the virus spreads further.
The Victorian government said the infected penguin was not found within the Penguin Parade precinct, though it did not disclose the exact location.
The case is expected to heighten concerns for Phillip Island’s colony of about 40,000 little penguins, the largest in the world and one of the state’s best-known wildlife drawcards.
Fears had already been building among conservation groups about the risk of large-scale losses if H5 bird flu reached the island.
Those concerns intensified this week when the state announced what it described as the world’s largest H5 vaccination program for wild birds.
Under the plan, more than 5000 little penguins at Phillip Island and St Kilda will be vaccinated.
The rollout is considered possible because the birds usually return to the same burrows each night, making them easier to locate than many other wild species.
The task is far from simple, with each bird needing two doses given weeks apart.
Chief veterinary officer Dr Graeme Cooke said the state was moving quickly once federal approval for H5N1 vaccines covering priority native bird species was secured.
“Agriculture Victoria is working closely with Phillip Island Nature Parks to support the vaccination of little penguins from Monday,” Dr Cooke said.
“While the first detection in a little penguin is a concern, vaccination of little penguins on Phillip Island remains a meaningful way to help protect this important colony.
“Vaccination is not a guarantee against infection but remains an important tool that may help reduce the impact of H5 bird flu in this population.
“We will continue to monitor the colony closely and adapt our approach as new information becomes available.”
The confirmed case comes as Australia’s bird flu tally continues to rise, with 219 cases recorded nationally as of Friday.
Authorities are also reminding people not to touch sick or dead wildlife and to keep pets away from animals and carcasses.
