Tuesday, August 11, 2026 - Australia is preparing to vaccinate vulnerable native birds against H5N1 bird flu as the virus continues spreading through wildlife and causing deaths.

The vaccination program will begin in the coming days and weeks, with priority given to threatened species kept in captivity, including birds involved in conservation programs at zoos and other facilities. The move comes after H5N1 was detected in Australia in June and has since spread among native bird populations.

Among the species expected to receive priority are the endangered orange-bellied parrot, regent honeyeater and several black cockatoo species.

Authorities say vaccinating wild birds on a large scale is far more difficult because the available vaccine requires two doses, making targeted protection of high-risk captive populations the immediate focus. Australia has spent about 18 months conducting safety and effectiveness trials before moving toward the rollout.

The program is now a critical conservation measure as scientists warn that H5N1 could place already threatened bird species under severe pressure. Vaccination will not replace biosecurity or disease surveillance, but officials hope it can reduce the risk of devastating losses among Australia's most vulnerable birds.

The coming weeks will be crucial as authorities determine which species and populations can be protected quickly enough to limit the impact of the outbreak.