New Zealand is racing to protect its critically endangered birds, including the kākāpō, from H5N1 avian influenza before the spring migration introduces the virus. With fewer than 250 kākāpō remaining, even a single outbreak could be catastrophic.
In a world-first trial, the Department of Conservation vaccinated up to 10 captive birds from five species with fewer than 500 individuals, including kākāpō, takahē, and kakī. Using a licensed poultry vaccine, four species developed strong antibody responses lasting at least six months. The aim is to protect captive breeding populations and their offspring before reintroduction into the wild.
Australia and the US are watching closely; similar emergency vaccination programmes have been used for California condors and other endangered species. However, scientists warn that vaccines can lose effectiveness as viruses mutate, and incomplete coverage could drive more virulent strains.
“If we start too soon, immunity may fade. If too late, we might miss the crucial moment,” says DOC scientist Kate McInnes.
Careful planning is needed to balance timing, vaccine efficacy, and the logistics of immunising vulnerable wild populations.
