Wild little penguins on Penguin Island will be vaccinated against the deadly H5 bird flu from today.
Up to 35 of the little penguins will be vaccinated, receiving two doses in a three to four-week period, with expert animal care teams
and veterinarians overseeing the program.
“For the first time, Western Australia’s wild little penguins on Penguin Island will be vaccinated against H5 bird flu, to give them every possible protection," Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said.
There is estimated to be between 74 and 128 little penguins on the island but only 35 will be vaccinated due to logistical reasons.
PIC: DBCA
Nearly 100 birds at Perth Zoo, including black swans, Australian blue-billed ducks, emus, and southern cassowaries have already been vaccinated as part of the State Government's vaccination program.
Vaccination trials on three species of black cockatoos at Perth Zoo in May have shown no significant adverse reactions to the jabs.
“Coupled with the expansion of Perth Zoo’s vaccination program to include 21 native species this is another significant step in our State’s preparedness for bird flu," Mr Swinbourn said.
“This program builds on the encouraging results of the zoo’s black cockatoo vaccination trial and adds another layer of protection for Penguin Island’s vulnerable little penguin colony as well as other native species.”
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