The Australian Government has approved the H5 bird flu vaccination program for Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park under a national framework aimed at protecting priority native bird species in captive and managed environments.
The first vaccinations will target Little Penguins and Australian Pelicans, which have been identified as facing a heightened risk of exposure because they are housed in open enclosures.
The news follows a similar vaccination effort at Cleland Wildlife Park earlier this week, where around 150 birds from more than 30 species received their first dose as part of the state's response to H5 bird flu.
The program aims to protect vulnerable species involved in conservation breeding efforts, including critically endangered Orange-bellied parrots and Regent honeyeaters.
Zoos SA Chief Executive Dr Phil Ainsley said the vaccine would complement extensive measures already introduced to minimise the risk of exposure.
"There is no single measure that can remove the risk of H5 bird flu, which is why our approach is about putting multiple layers of protection around the birds in our care," Dr Ainsley said.
"Our first priority is still preventing exposure wherever we can, but vaccination has the potential to give us another layer of protection for selected birds considered at greater risk."
In preparation for H5 bird flu, Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park have bird-proofed habitats, protected food and water sources from wild birds, installed specialised feeding systems and additional roofing, and strengthened hygiene protocols.
Birds in the vaccination program receive two doses given three to four weeks apart, with ongoing health monitoring throughout the process.
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Frances Walters said vaccination would add to existing safeguards already in place at both zoos.
"Vaccination is just one part of a broader strategy," Dr Walters said.
"Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park have implemented extensive biosecurity measures to reduce the likelihood of exposure, and these layers of protection work together to help safeguard vulnerable animals."
Dr Walters said community reporting remained critical to tracking the disease's spread.
"When people report sick or dead birds and wildlife, they help us detect new cases earlier and support faster decision-making to minimise the impacts on wildlife where possible and protect livestock," she said.
South Australia continues to lead the nation in public reporting of suspected bird flu cases, with more than 10,000 reports made to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline since Australia's first H5 detection. Nearly 86 per cent of the state's confirmed H5 events were first reported by members of the public.
There have been no detections of H5 bird flu in poultry or other livestock, and the risk to human health remains low.
To report a potentially infected bird, contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888). For information, advice and resources about H5 bird flu, visit birdflu.sa.gov.au
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