Can wild birds be vaccinated against H5 avian influenza?
Vaccines for avian influenza are not registered for general use in Australia.
A national approach to vaccination is being considered for captive wildlife in zoos and wildlife parks and on a risk-assessed, case-by-case basis in vulnerable wild bird populations. However, mass vaccination of wild birds would be unlikely. Effective vaccination requires two doses, which presents difficulties in wild birds, and the effectiveness of vaccines varies in different species and with different strains of virus. Ineffective vaccination may also contribute to the spread of the virus.
Federal and state governments are continuing to develop and evaluate vaccination strategies that could be used in response to a H5 avian influenza detection in wildlife in Australia.
Vaccination in people
There is no vaccination currently available against avian influenza in people.
It is recommended that anyone working with wild birds or poultry has the seasonal influenza vaccine. The human seasonal flu vaccination will not protect against avian influenza, but will minimise the risk of becoming infected with the human and avian influenza viruses at the same time, which could lead to the emergence of a new influenza strain.
For further information about seasonal flu vaccination for humans, visit the following links:
