Government secures 1,500 doses of H5N1 vaccine for captive birds

In a decisive step to combat the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak, the Australian government has obtained 1,500 doses of a specialized vaccine. These doses will be deployed initially on birds held in zoos and other captive settings, particularly those classified as rare or threatened.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins stressed that the vaccine rollout is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the virus's impact on vulnerable bird populations. Environmental Minister Maree Voted added that, depending on logistics, vaccination of certain wild bird groups may also be considered in the future.

The decision follows a sharp rise in confirmed cases – from the first detection in June to 231 by early August – a more than three‑fold increase that has alarmed wildlife experts.