| Source | Latest linked headline | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | The Guardian | NATIVE BIRDS IN CAPTIVITY TO BE VACCINATED AGAINST H5 BIRD FLU AS AUSTRALIA PREPARES FOR MORE MASS MORTALITIES | 2 hrs ago |
The Australian federal government has announced plans to vaccinate native bird species in captivity against the H5 bird flu virus, with vaccinations set to commence in the coming days and weeks. According to Environment | The Guardian, the move is in response to the ongoing spread of the deadly virus across the country. This initiative aims to protect native birds in captivity from the virus.
Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins has stated that target native species in captivity will be prioritised for vaccination. However, the government also hopes to vaccinate some wild birds, although it acknowledges that catching them once, let alone twice for both doses, is 'difficult'. The exact timeline and scope of the vaccination program are still being determined.
The vaccination effort is part of a broader response to the H5 bird flu outbreak in Australia, which has already resulted in significant mortality among native bird populations. The move is significant as it highlights the government's efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus on native species.