Baudin's cockatoo. Photo - Rick Dawson/DBCA
- Avoid contact and keep your distance.
- Record the date, time, location and take photos.
- Report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Find out more about the signs and how to report.
For more information, visit the Australian Government website at birdflu.gov.au.
A vaccination trial is being undertaken with birds in the Zoo’s permanent population and is focusing on three key black cockatoo species: endangered Carnaby’s, endangered Baudin’s and vulnerable forest red-tailed black cockatoos.
The vaccination program expanded in September to include little penguins on Penguin Island. You can read the media statement below.
The findings will help guide future conservation and emergency response efforts.
Ministerial media statements
Frequently asked questions
Why vaccinate wildlife if there is no outbreak in WA?
Vaccination is one of a range of preparedness tools available to help reduce the potential impacts of H5 bird flu on vulnerable species.
Is vaccination being considered for additional species in the future?
The State Government will continue to assess emerging scientific evidence and disease risk to native wildlife species. The knowledge gained through the current vaccination program will help inform any future decisions about vaccination for wildlife species in Western Australia.
How is the Federal Government involved?
All H5 preparedness and response activities are nationally coordinated. The Federal Government’s Department of Food and Forestry (DAFF) is the permit holder for the vaccine and regulates the use of the vaccine in collaboration with the WA Chief Veterinary Officer through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
How many doses of the vaccine are needed?
Two doses of vaccine are needed three to four weeks apart.
Why is WA expanding its bird flu vaccination program?
While Western Australia remains free of any detected local transmission of H5 bird flu, the threat to wildlife remains. Expanding the vaccination program is an additional measure that strengthens the State's preparedness and helps protect priority species that could be most affected if the disease becomes established in WA.
Who is leading the vaccination program?
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Perth Zoo, in collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and other partners, are leading vaccination planning and implementation for priority wildlife species in WA.
Which species will be vaccinated under the expanded program?
The aim is to vaccinate up to 35 wild little penguins on Penguin Island.
Up to 91 birds across 21 species at Perth Zoo have also been vaccinated.
Which birds have been vaccinated?
Threatened and priority conservation species to receive vaccination:
- Little penguin
- Black swan
- Australian blue-billed duck
- Southern cassowary
Additional species included in the trial:
- Pink cockatoo
- Little pied cormorant
- Brolga
- Plumed whistling duck
- Radjah sheIduck
- Emu
- Tawny frogmouth
- Bridled tern
- Pied heron
- Glossy ibis
- Royal spoonbill
- Eclectus parrot
- Purple-crowned lorikeet
- Regent parrot
- Western rosella
- Brush bronzewing pigeon
- Bush stone-curlew
Are these Perth Zoo’s first vaccination trials?
No, the zoo has been conducting trials on three species of black cockatoo - Baudin's, Carnaby's black-cockatoo and forest red-tailed – since May 2026.
What results have been found so far?
All five black cockatoos involved in the trial have received both doses. Results have been encouraging, with vaccinated birds showing a positive antibody response and no significant adverse reactions observed to date.
When will you know if it works?
The birds remain under close observation and we will continue to monitor their blood results over a two-year period. Preliminary results will be released in due course.
Why will it take two years?
For robust scientific results, it’s best practice to ensure there is adequate time to monitor how long the effectiveness period is and whether booster shots are required.
Vaccination programs require ongoing monitoring to assess immune responses, safety and how long protection lasts.
Can wild animals be vaccinated?
Broadscale vaccination of wild birds is not practical. Governments are considering carefully targeted vaccination of selected managed populations of vulnerable bird species, supported by scientific evidence, vaccine safety data and strong biosecurity. Authorities are also closely monitoring international research and emerging evidence for vaccinating native mammals. There are currently no commercially available H5 bird flu vaccines authorised for use in mammal species in Australia.
Can I get my dog or cat vaccinated?
There is no vaccine currently available for dogs or cats. We encourage pet owners to distance their pets from native birds and mammals to minimise the potential for transmission.
