Australia is preparing to begin vaccinating against H5N1 avian influenza within the next few days to weeks, focusing on native and captive birds at high risk, after over 230 infected birds were found nationwide.
On 11 August 2026, the Australian government announced plans to start a vaccination program against the H5N1 avian influenza virus for high-risk native birds. The campaign is expected to begin within days to weeks following Australia's first detection of this virus strain in June.
The government has allocated about 1,500 vaccine doses valued at 2 million Australian dollars (approximately 46 million baht) to be managed by the states and territories. Priority for vaccination will be given to native birds and captive birds most vulnerable to the disease.
Last week, Australia recorded its first mass bird deaths from avian influenza when around 50 Greater Crested Terns died from the virus on an island off South Australia’s coast. Authorities warned Australians to prepare for increased spread of the virus, along with more bird carcasses and mass deaths from H5 avian influenza nationwide. However, the government stated the risk to humans remains low, and there is no evidence the virus has spread to the country’s livestock or agricultural industries.
Source: BBC