Little penguins line up for flu jab
The Premier has marched into Victor Harbor today, announcing a new plan to protect SA’s beloved little penguins against bird flu. See the video.
Little penguins living on Granite and Kangaroo Islands are closer to getting vaccinated for H5 bird flu, the Premier announced today.
Premier Peter Malinauskas and Environment Minister Emily Bourke visited Granite Island today to share plans to protect the growing penguin colony.
The state government has approved a targeted vaccine program, which now awaits sign-off from the federal environment department before the penguins can be vaccinated.
“Little penguins are a much-loved part of South Australia’s wildlife, and this targeted program will provide an additional layer of protection against the threat posed by H5 bird flu,” Malinauskas said.
“Vaccination is not a standalone solution, but it is an important addition to the surveillance, biosecurity and preparedness measures already in place across the state.”
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There are 36 adult penguins on Granite Island, according to last year’s penguin census. The species are SA’s only penguins and have been flagged as being highly vulnerable to H5 bird flu.
Bourke said vaccinating any free-living wildlife “is complex”.
“The program has, therefore, been carefully planned to ensure the highest standards of veterinary care and animal welfare, while minimising disturbance to the penguins and other wildlife.
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“This targeted program, if approved, will be delivered transparently and guided by expert advice and the latest evidence, giving the little penguins the best protection we can provide.”
It comes after 150 birds across more than 30 species were vaccinated at Cleland Wildlife Park, and more prioritised birds are in line for approved vaccines at Cleland and SA’s zoos.
There have been 328 bird flu events recorded in SA, according to the state government, with more than 2400 birds tested since January.
Confirmed cases have included two little penguins in the Nene Valley.
The vaccination program will initially focus on managed, free-living penguin populations on Granite and Kangaroo Islands.
The environment minister said further assessment was underway to look at key little penguin populations on islands off Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas.
Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Frances Walters said a “detailed risk assessment” was done for the vaccine program, which will be delivered under strict veterinary, animal welfare, public safety and regulatory rules.
Walters said the risk assessment shaped “how penguins will be handled, how the vaccine will be administered and how the welfare of individual birds and the wider colony will be protected in line with regulatory requirements”.
“Vaccination adds another layer of protection alongside surveillance, biosecurity and wildlife response measures, and, if approved, the program will be closely monitored to ensure it continues to be delivered safely and effectively,” she said.
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