Tasmania to prioritise vaccinating orange-bellied parrots against bird flu

The government will roll out a vaccine against the deadly H5N1 bird flu, with Tasmania to prioritise vaccinating orange-bellied parrots held in captivity.

It is expected that vaccinations will start being administered soon.

"We cannot stop the H5 bird flu spreading amongst wild birds, but we can take action to protect the species most at risk and vaccination is now part of that response," Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said.

"Vaccination activities will be guided, as always, by expert scientific advice."

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) said it had been working closely with federal government veterinarians on a vaccine for Tasmania’s orange-bellied parrots held in captivity.

“Strict federal permit conditions limit the number of species that are currently suitable candidates for vaccination.

“Current requirements include that animals must be birds, weigh more than 38 grams, be at least three weeks of age, receive two vaccinations three to four weeks apart, and be monitored for a minimum of two weeks following vaccination.

“Vaccinated animals must also not enter the human food chain.”

NRE Tas said vaccination is not a practical option for most wild bird species.

“As a result, vaccination is not a practical option for most wild bird species and remains focused on a small number of species or circumstances.

“Consistent with permit requirements, the proposed program of vaccination in Tasmania would focus on captive birds, including individuals intended for future release as part of the species' recovery program.

“Tasmania will continue to assess the viability of vaccination for other priority threatened bird species as the federal regulatory framework and permit conditions continue to evolve.”

So far Tasmania has not recorded any bird flu cases.

“Vaccination is only one part of Tasmania's broader preparedness approach, which remains focused on surveillance, biosecurity, habitat protection, and threatened species recovery,” NRE Tas said.

“There is currently no approved H5 avian influenza vaccine for use in mammals in Australia.

“Consequently, vaccination of mammal species is not currently being considered.”