澳大利亚联邦政府宣布启动禽流感疫苗接种项目，以保护易感野生鸟类群体[1]。政府已采购1500瓶疫苗，总价值约200万澳元，将在未来数天内首先为圈养鸟类接种[1]。农业部长朱莉·柯林斯表示："我们明确认识到无法阻止H5禽流感在野生鸟类间传播，但可以采取行动保护最易感的物种[1]。"
目前澳大利亚已报告超过200例禽流感死亡病例，其中大多数发生在南澳大利亚[1]。H5禽流感暂未在家禽养殖业或农业部门检出[1]。澳大利亚首席兽医官贝丝·库克森指出，疫苗"并非唯一解决方案，生物安全防控措施仍将保持重要作用[1]"。
The Australian federal government has announced a vaccination initiative aimed at protecting susceptible wild bird species from avian influenza.[1] The government has procured 1,500 doses of vaccine worth approximately 2 million Australian dollars, with the first vaccines set to be rolled out over the coming weeks.[1] Captive birds will be prioritized for immunization in the initial phase of the program.[1]
Agriculture Minister Julie Collins stated that "we've been very clear that we cannot stop the H5 bird flu from spreading amongst wild birds. But we can take action to protect the species most at risk."[1] However, Chief Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson cautioned that "it is not a standalone solution. Biosecurity will remain important," emphasizing that protective measures beyond vaccination must continue.[1] The vaccination effort comes as authorities have documented over 200 bird flu deaths, with the majority occurring in South Australia.[1] Currently, H5 bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry operations or the agricultural sector.[1]