Australia Vaccinates 5,000 Penguins Against Bird Flu After First Death

Wildlife experts in the Australian state of Victoria have initiated a large-scale vaccination campaign to protect the local little penguin population from the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus. The mass inoculation effort targets more than 5,000 seabirds. The preventative measure was launched in response to the first confirmed death of a penguin from bird flu on Phillip Island. Officials are working rapidly to shield the vulnerable colony and prevent a broader outbreak of the disease in the region.