Backyard bird owners urge vaccine access as avian flu moves inland in South Australia

In the Penola district, about 100 kilometres from the coastal town of Robe, Al and Louise McKay operate a wildlife education business and have called for vaccine availability to safeguard their licensed glossy black cockatoos and masked owls, both vulnerable to the spreading H5N1 virus. They have already implemented biosecurity steps such as relocating water bowls and monitoring for wild-bird droppings. The South Australian government confirmed that vaccination is included in a broader national plan aimed at protecting priority captive species, acknowledging the logistical challenges of vaccinating wild populations.

Recent detections of the virus have been reported in crested terns along the Limestone Coast and inland locations like Tarpeena, with additional cases identified in Victoria’s Phillip Island and several mainland sites. Agriculture Victoria’s James Todd highlighted the significance of these findings for the virus’s regional movement. The McKays urge continued community reporting and vigilance to prevent further spread to private aviaries.