Bird Flu Threatens Phillip Island's 40,000-Penguin Colony

"Decisions on whether to vaccinate what we term rare captive and threatened birds has been considered," Cook said. The decision to vaccinate is complex, he added. The current vaccine requires handling twice. In wild bird populations you cannot capture them the same way you could capture captive birds within zoological establishments.

Cook said the federal government ultimately decides vaccine policy for native species.

Phillip Island Nature Parks, which manages the penguin colony, said it is monitoring the situation closely and has an active Avian Influenza Response Plan in place. The plan includes increased biosecurity measures for field staff, such as cleaning and disinfecting footwear and vehicles when moving between sites.

"The Nature Parks has been planning for the arrival of this bird flu strain since 2023, and we continue to work closely with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action on an effective response," a spokesperson said in a statement. The organisation said it has invested significant resources into improving the health and resilience of wildlife habitat on the island in recent years. Attractions, reserves and beaches remain open.

Bass Coast Shire mayor Brett Tessari said he hopes wildlife agencies are properly prepared. "We're relying on the emergency response that's been years in the workings," he said. "As far as the economic impact goes it will affect us, we're a tourist mecca for penguins."

The bird flu threat comes on top of the loss of the Australian MotoGP and World Super Bikes events earlier this year. "It's just another hit for Phillip Island in particular," Tessari said. "If our penguins get impacted as well the island's copping it a bit so we're hoping the proper agencies step in and do what they need to do."

The virus has not yet been detected on Phillip Island.