Kaikōura trust seeks review after DOC decides not to vaccinate penguins amidst bird flu

The Kaikōura Wildlife Centre Trust has formally requested a ministerial review of the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) decision not to vaccinate little penguins, known locally as kororā, against avian influenza amid growing concerns over the spread of the H5 bird flu strain. The move comes after Australian media reported the death of a little penguin on Phillip Island due to the virus, raising alarms about the potential for similar outbreaks in New Zealand. The Trust argues that the decision ignores the unique vulnerabilities of the Kaikōura population and risks irreversible damage to the species. The DOC’s H5 bird flu programme lead, Suliana Teasdale, explained that the agency’s vaccination strategy targets up to 30 threatened bird species deemed at high risk of extinction if infected. She noted that kororā do not meet these criteria, citing their relatively larger population size compared to other species. However, Trust manager Sabrina Luecht countered that the Kaikōura population, estimated at around 50 individuals, is on the verge of regional extinction and faces severe threats from existing issues such as starvation. She warned that without intervention, a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak could lead to complete local extinction within a few years. Luecht emphasized that the Trust has long worked to protect the kororā through measures such as predator control and supplemental feeding, yet the lack of vaccination leaves the population vulnerable. She pointed to the situation in Victoria, Australia, where thousands of little penguins are set to receive vaccinations as part of broader efforts to combat the virus. “This makes for an excellent comparative case,” she said, arguing that New Zealand should follow suit in protecting its own vulnerable populations. The Trust highlighted the precarious state of the Kaikōura kororā, noting that many chicks suffer from malnutrition and require intensive care before they can survive independently. Images shared by the Trust show a 7-week-old chick being weighed during a welfare check ahead of its release, underscoring the challenges facing the colony. Luecht stressed that the current approach by DOC fails to account for the extreme vulnerability of the population, particularly given the ongoing pressure from environmental factors and the looming threat of HPAI. In response, Teasdale stated that the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) had approved the second tranche of the DOC’s vaccination plan, allowing for the extension of immunization to up to 25 additional priority species. While planning for this phase is ongoing, she noted that the agency is still assessing risks and consulting with iwi and stakeholders before making final decisions. Minister for Conservation Tama Potaka reiterated that vaccination is limited to threatened species under current approvals, acknowledging that the Trust’s efforts to support the kororā’s survival remain vital. Potaka expressed appreciation for the Trust’s work, emphasizing that vaccination is just one component of a broader strategy involving surveillance, biosecurity, and collaboration with local communities and conservation groups. He urged continued support for the Trust’s initiatives while recognizing the limitations of the current policy framework. As the debate continues, both sides await clarity on whether the Trust’s request for a ministerial review will result in a change in policy or further delays in addressing the urgent needs of the kororā population.