First Australian death of little penguin with H5 bird flu confirmed on Phillip Island
Summary
The first death of a little penguin from the H5 bird flu in Australia was confirmed on Phillip Island, Victoria. The Victorian government plans to vaccinate thousands of little penguins to try to protect the colony from the virus.Key Facts
- A little penguin on Phillip Island has died from H5 bird flu, the first confirmed case in Australia for this species.
- Phillip Island has about 40,000 little penguins, the world’s largest colony of this species.
- The Victorian government will start vaccinating up to 5,000 little penguins at Phillip Island and St Kilda beach.
- Vaccinating wild birds is difficult but possible here because little penguins usually return to the same burrows every night.
- Vaccination requires two doses given weeks apart.
- The virus has also been found in other wild birds in Victoria, including greater crested terns at Lakes Entrance and Dromana.
- The discovery on Phillip Island raises concern about how quickly the vaccination can protect the penguins.
- Wildlife experts emphasize the need for government support to help native species survive the bird flu outbreak.
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