Zoos SA has received approval to progress its H5 Bird Flu vaccination program at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.
Zoos SA Chief Executive Dr Phil Ainsley said the approvals marked an important step, but there was still work to do before vaccinations could begin.
“Vaccination isn’t a silver bullet and it doesn’t replace the biosecurity work already happening across Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park,” Dr Ainsley said.
“Our first priority is still preventing exposure wherever we can, but vaccination has the potential to give us another layer of protection for selected birds considered at greater risk.
“We have now received government approval to progress the program, as well as animal ethics committee approval to take blood samples to monitor the antibody response in selected vaccinated birds.
“Once the vaccine arrives, we plan to begin with some of the birds assessed as being at highest risk of exposure, including our Australian Pelicans and Little Penguins.
“In the meantime, we are continuing to work closely with government, the Zoo and Aquarium Association and relevant species management groups to determine the appropriate next steps.”
The blood sampling will allow Zoos SA’s veterinary team to monitor antibody responses over time and help understand how vaccinated birds respond to the vaccine.
Zoos SA has progressively strengthened biosecurity across both sites in preparation for H5 Bird Flu, with measures designed to reduce the likelihood of animals coming into contact with the virus.
These include bird-proofing habitats, protecting food and water sources from wild birds, installing specialised feeding systems and additional roofing, increased aviary hygiene, and measures to reduce the potential movement of the virus on footwear, uniforms and equipment.
Wild bird activity is also monitored and discouraged around sensitive areas, while additional precautions are in place around food supplies entering Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.
“There is no single measure that can remove the risk of H5 Bird Flu, which is why our approach is about putting multiple layers of protection around the birds in our care,” Dr Ainsley said.
“Vaccination would sit alongside those existing measures, not replace them.”
Zoos SA’s vaccination planning considers factors including potential exposure to H5 Bird Flu, the likely consequences of infection, existing biosecurity protections and the welfare implications of the repeated catching and handling required for vaccination.
Conservation and breeding considerations are also part of the assessment, particularly for species managed through coordinated conservation programs.
