1 September 2026
Guy Barnett, Minister for Environment and Climate Change
The rollout of H5 bird flu vaccines for Tasmania’s endangered orange-bellied parrot began today.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Guy Barnett, said protecting the orange-bellied parrot from H5 bird flu is a priority.
“The orange-bellied parrot is one of Australia's most endangered bird species, with its only wild breeding population found at Melaleuca in Tasmania's south-west," Minister Barnett said.
“We know there is no treatment for H5 bird flu, which is why prevention and preparedness are so important.
“Today, we're beginning the rollout of vaccinations for orange-bellied parrots as another important step in protecting this species.”
Around 350 orange-bellied parrots are expected to be vaccinated between now and February.
The vaccination program will focus on captive birds, including juveniles bred at the Five Mile Beach Wildlife Management Facility that are expected to be released at Melaleuca to support the wild population.
“Vaccinating captive orange-bellied parrots in managed breeding programs helps safeguard the insurance population," Minister Barnett said.
“Strict federal permit conditions limit the number of species that are currently suitable candidates for vaccination.
“It is important to note vaccination is not a practical option for most wild bird species.
"Tasmania will continue to assess the viability of vaccination for other priority threatened bird species."