Zoos SA is progressing plans to vaccinate priority birds against H5 Bird Flu as the organisation continues to work with the South Australian Government, veterinary authorities and the wider zoo community to protect vulnerable species.
The move comes as H5 Bird Flu continues to spread among wild bird populations in South Australia, including recent mass mortality events involving more than 1,000 seabirds on islands off the South Australian coast.
Zoos SA Chief Executive Dr Phil Ainsley said the developing situation reinforced the importance of using every available tool to protect the animals in Zoos SA’s care.
“The significant impact we are now seeing H5 Bird Flu have on wild bird populations is incredibly concerning and reinforces why we have been preparing for the arrival of this disease for several years,” Dr Ainsley said.
“Since H5 Bird Flu was first detected in Australia, our focus has been on doing everything we reasonably can to reduce the risk to the animals in our care.
“Vaccination now provides us with another potential layer of protection and we are actively working through the necessary approval processes so we can begin vaccinating eligible birds where our veterinary team considers it appropriate.”
Zoos SA is working closely with the South Australian Government and is also participating in discussions with the Zoo and Aquarium Association and other zoos to support a coordinated approach to vaccination, particularly for threatened species managed across multiple institutions.
Dr Ainsley said vaccination would be targeted and based on veterinary risk assessments rather than simply vaccinating every bird at Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park.
“There are a number of factors we need to consider, including how vulnerable a species is to H5 Bird Flu, its potential exposure to the virus, the protection already provided by our existing biosecurity measures and the welfare considerations associated with catching and vaccinating individual birds,” Phil said.
“For threatened species, we also need to consider the bigger conservation picture. Many of these populations are managed across multiple zoos and conservation organisations, so decisions around vaccination can have implications for breeding programs, genetics and the long-term resilience of those species.
“This is why we are taking a targeted, evidence-based approach.”
Vaccination would complement the extensive biosecurity measures already implemented across Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park, which are designed to reduce the likelihood of animals coming into contact with H5 Bird Flu.
These measures will remain in place as the situation develops.
“Vaccination isn’t a silver bullet and it doesn’t replace biosecurity,” Phil said.
“Our first priority remains preventing exposure wherever possible. Vaccination gives us another tool that may help reduce the likelihood of infection, severe disease and mortality if exposure does occur.
“The situation in South Australia is changing and unfortunately we are now seeing the devastating impact this disease can have on wild bird populations.
“We will continue to work closely with government, veterinary authorities and our zoo colleagues, and we will keep the community updated as our vaccination plans progress.”
Members of the public are reminded not to touch sick or dead birds or other wildlife and to follow the advice: AVOID. RECORD. REPORT.
Suspected cases can be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
