Baudin's cockatoo. Photo - Rick Dawson/DBCA
With its expertise and facilities, Perth Zoo is uniquely placed to do this important work. The 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 findings will help guide future conservation and emergency response efforts if H5 avian influenza reaches wild black cockatoo populations.
Ministerial media statement
Read the joint Ministerial media statement: Bird flu vaccine trial to help Perth Zoo's threatened black cockatoos
Frequently asked questions
What birds are part of the initial trial?
Threatened Carnaby’s, Baudin’s and forest red-tailed black cockatoos are included in the pilot vaccination trial at Perth Zoo.
Why were these species chosen?
All three black cockatoo species are threatened and hold significant environmental and cultural importance. Perth Zoo maintains a small captive population of black cockatoos, which is being used as part of the trial. The zoo’s veterinary team also triages and treats more than 350 black cockatoos each year in partnership with wildlife rehabilitators. Once the trial is ready to expand, Perth Zoo’s existing program and expertise provide a strong opportunity for the next phase.
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 has the vaccine not yet been rolled out more widely?
It is important to determine safety and efficacy in smaller trials before rolling out wider spread use of the vaccine. We don't yet have safety and efficacy data on vaccine use in many WA species, so this is an important first step.
Is there just one vaccine or different vaccines for different breeds?
There is just one vaccine licensed for use in bird species in Australia.
Are there plans to do trials with other species?
Vaccination is being considered to help protect vulnerable bird species from the impacts of H5 bird flu. Ongoing discussions are occurring with DPIRD, DAFF and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to vaccinate priority bird species in WA.
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.
