New Zealand scientists are testing whether vaccination can shield critically endangered species, including the kākāpō, the world’s fattest parrot, from H5N1 bird flu. The virus has wiped out millions of wild birds worldwide, but has not yet reached Oceania.
In a world-first trial, the Department of Conservation vaccinated 10 captive birds from five rare species. Four showed strong, lasting antibody responses, raising hopes of protecting core breeding populations.
Experts caution that vaccinating wild flocks is impractical, so efforts will focus on captive breeding programmes and managed island populations. Similar measures have been taken in the US, where California condors were vaccinated after a deadly outbreak.
Some scientists warn vaccines may drive viral evolution or lose effectiveness as the virus mutates. Still, for species numbering only in the hundreds, vaccination could mean the difference between survival and extinction.
“If we start too soon, the protection may fade. If we start too late, we might miss the crucial moment,” said DOC adviser Kate McInnes.
