Australia is gearing up to protect its unique wildlife from the deadly H5N1 bird flu. 🦠🦜
For the first time, endangered wild animals across Australia will be vaccinated against the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain H5N1 in an effort to limit its impact. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek announced on Sunday that environmental officers will soon begin vaccinating these species, breeding captive populations as a safety net, and collecting carcasses to prevent the disease's spread.
\"We are extremely worried about this variant of bird flu,\" Plibersek told Nine Entertainment newspapers. \"We know it's in Antarctica now. We know it's in Indonesia. We're the last continent that this variant hasn't hit. We're doing our very best to prepare for it, but the simple truth is we can't keep it out of the country. It's likely to have potentially catastrophic impacts on our wild animals.\"
Australia remains the only continent untouched by the H5N1 strain, but experts warn its arrival is inevitable. The current global outbreak has caused mass deaths among wild birds and some mammal species. Authorities are uncertain whether iconic marsupials like koalas 🐨 and kangaroos 🦘 are susceptible to the virus, but preparations are in full swing.
The federal government has committed 95 million Australian dollars ($63.7 million) towards biosecurity, environmental, and public health measures to safeguard the nation. While it's not yet clear which wild species will receive the vaccine, those most at risk will be prioritized.
Last Friday, Plibersek chaired a crucial meeting with environment ministers from Australia's states and territories, as well as New Zealand, to strategize on preventing and managing a potential outbreak. The race is on to shield Australia's precious wildlife from this global threat. 💪🌏
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Wild Australian species to be vaccinated against deadly H5N1 bird flu
cgtn.com
