The two species NSW is racing to protect after fifth case of deadly virus

New South Wales authorities are urgently working to safeguard two vulnerable species, little penguins and critically endangered regent honeyeaters, as the state confirms its fifth case of avian influenza. The latest confirmation came on Saturday following the discovery of a dead greater crested tern near Eden on the South Coast. This follows a mass mortality event involving at least 50 birds of the same species in South Australia earlier this month. The identification of these two species as high-priority candidates for vaccination marks a critical step in the state's response strategy amid growing concerns over the virus's spread. The NSW government announced plans to inoculate captive little penguins and regent honeyeaters, though approval from the national Animal Health Committee is still pending. Collaboration with institutions such as Taronga Zoo, which plays a key role in breeding regent honeyeaters for eventual release into the wild, underscores the gravity of the situation. These efforts come as scientists highlight the limitations of current vaccines, noting that while they may reduce mortality, their effectiveness in protecting native birds remains uncertain. Dr. Ariful Islam, a bird flu expert from Charles Sturt University, emphasized that the vaccine should not be viewed as a standalone solution. “It is not a silver bullet. The vaccine cannot be the only weapon to control the virus and containment of outbreaks. It’s a supplementary tool,” he stated. The government has acknowledged the lack of data regarding the vaccine’s performance beyond poultry, underscoring the need for further research and caution in implementation. In preparation for potential vaccination programs, the NSW government commissioned trials last year through the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness. These trials aimed to determine appropriate dose rates for small native bird species. Additional pilot studies assessed the safety of the poultry-derived vaccine in various captive native animals, including penguins, emus, cassowaries, raptors, owls, shorebirds, ducks, cockatoos, and other parrots. Despite these efforts, definitive evidence of the vaccine’s efficacy in native wildlife remains elusive. The emergence of the virus in silver gulls in South Australia has raised alarms about the possibility of widespread infection among native bird populations. Bird ecologist Professor Anne Peters from Monash University referred to these gulls as “Typhoid Mary” superspreaders due to their wide-ranging movements between urban centers, coastal regions, and inland areas. She warned that infected ducks, which often show no symptoms, could pose additional risks by carrying the virus undetected. “Finding active viruses in birds that aren’t sick at all would also be extremely worrying,” she noted. The confirmation of the fifth case in a greater crested tern highlights the broader implications of the outbreak. Professor Peters expressed concern over the vulnerability of numerous bird and mammal species, stating, “Unfortunately, very many of our birds but also mammals, for example seals and sea lions, but also dolphins, are known to be at great risk of mass mortalities.” This sentiment aligns with calls from experts advocating for enhanced measures to protect marine mammals, particularly the endangered Australian sea lion. Research conducted in the United States demonstrated that a cow-derived vaccine successfully induced antibodies in elephant seals, suggesting that existing vaccines might be adaptable for use in pinnipeds. Australian officials are closely observing these developments, recognizing the potential significance for local conservation efforts. However, Professor Euan Ritchie from Deakin University criticized the delay in leveraging Australia’s five-year lead prior to the virus’s arrival to develop a tailored vaccine for the country’s unique wildlife. His comments reflect ongoing debates about the adequacy of current strategies in addressing the threat posed by avian influenza to both avian and marine ecosystems.