Australia bird flu vaccinations to target vulnerable birds

Australian authorities said on Tuesday they would vaccinate bird species considered especially vulnerable to the highly contagious H5 avian influenza virus, with captive birds the priority.

Environment Minister Murray Watt said vaccinating wild birds was difficult because birds need two doses and can be hard to catch twice. He said officials would vaccinate wild birds where possible, but would focus first on birds in captivity.

Australia reported its first H5 case in a migratory sea bird in June and last week reported its first mass mortality event in wildlife. Authorities said that, as of Monday, Australia had 231 confirmed or presumed positive H5 bird flu detections.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said Australia should expect more mass bird deaths. “This will continue to spread across the country,” she said.

Authorities said no H5 cases had been detected in poultry or in Australia’s agricultural production. Wild birds most affected by the strain include waterfowl, shorebirds, seabirds and birds of prey.