The WA Government has announced that one of the state’s most iconic bird colonies, the wild little penguins on Penguin Island, will be vaccinated as part of its expanded H5 bird flu vaccination program. Up to 35 of the little penguins will be vaccinated today, receiving two doses in a three to four-week period and undergoing monitoring. “For the first time, Western Australia’s wild little penguins on Penguin Island will be vaccinated against H5 bird flu, to give them every possible protection,” said WA Environment Minister, Matthew Swinbourn.
“Coupled with the expansion of Perth Zoo’s vaccination program to include 21 native species this is another significant step in our State’s preparedness for bird flu. “This program builds on the encouraging results of the zoo’s black cockatoo vaccination trial and adds another layer of protection for Penguin Island’s vulnerable little penguin colony as well as other native species.” A further 91 birds, covering 21 native species cared for at Perth Zoo, including black swans, Australian blue-billed ducks, emus, and southern cassowaries, have also been vaccinated as part of the expanded program, which has been approved by relevant State and Federal authorities. The vaccine requires two doses, administered three to four weeks apart, and for birds to undergo a required observation period following vaccination, with expert animal care teams and veterinarians overseeing the program.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Perth Zoo, in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and other partners, are leading vaccination planning and implementation for priority wildlife species in WA. “Western Australia has been preparing for the arrival of H5 bird flu for several years, and vaccination is one of the tools helping strengthen our biosecurity response,” said WA Agriculture and Food and Fisheries Minister, Jackie Jarvis. “We are continuing to invest in surveillance, preparedness, and practical measures to protect our wildlife, poultry producers, and food supply.” Federal Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister, Julie Collins, recently announced that almost 10,000 native birds across Australia had been identified for vaccination and the wider rollout of WA’s vaccination program is part of co-ordinated efforts by the State and Commonwealth governments to boost preparedness for bird flu.
The Commonwealth Government has made an investment of almost $2 million to procure vaccines and undertake trials and pilot studies to support the safe and effective use of vaccination. State and territory governments are responsible for administering these vaccines. Western Australia has recorded no new positive cases of H5 bird flu since July 2026.
Source: Inside State Government
