Bird flu response
Bird flu and what it means for your Zoo
Bird flu and what it means for your Zoo
In June 2026, the first case of H5 avian influenza, or H5 bird flu, was detected on the south coast of Western Australia.
Here at Perth Zoo, the health and wellbeing of our animals and people is always our top priority.
Australia is one of the last countries in the world to get avian influenza, so we’ve been actively preparing for it and have strong biosecurity measures in place to help protect the animals in our care.
You may notice some small changes during your Zoo visit as part of these precautions such as additional barriers, extra signage and hand sanitiser points, or adjustments to certain habitats.
These measures are designed to reduce contact between Zoo animals and wild birds, which helps keep vulnerable species safe.
The risk to human health is very minimal, but we may close certain habitats or introduce extra hygiene practices in an abundance of precaution.
Importantly, you can feel confident that visiting Perth Zoo is safe.
Our teams have introduced a range of enhancements across the Zoo, including improvements to animal habitats and behind-the-scenes facilities. These upgrades support the ongoing care of endangered species such as Numbats, Western Ground Parrots and black cockatoos.
We also continue to care for injured and unwell wildlife, including black cockatoos, and are exploring ways to support this important work while further safeguarding our resident animals.
How you can help
If you see sick or injured wildlife, please remember:
Avoid, Record, Report
Black cockatoo vaccination trial
Perth Zoo is leading a vaccination trial for black cockatoos as part of the State’s preparedness efforts for H5 bird flu. This important work is being carried out across three species of WA's threatened black cockatoos: Carnaby's, Baudin's and Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoos. The trial commenced in May and will help us better understand whether vaccination could be an effective tool to help protect some of our most vulnerable native bird species should an outbreak occur.
+ Which birds are part of the initial trial?
Threatened Carnaby’s, Baudin’s and Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoos are included in the pilot vaccination trial at Perth Zoo.
+ Why were these species chosen?
All three black cockatoo species are threatened and hold significant environmental and cultural importance. Perth Zoo cares for a small population of black cockatoos, which is being used as part of the trial to ensure ongoing monitoring. The zoo’s veterinary team also triages and treats more than 350 black cockatoos each year in partnership with wildlife rehabilitators.
Once the trial is ready to expand, Perth Zoo’s existing program and expertise provide a strong opportunity for the next phase.
+ Why is this trial being conducted?
This trial will help determine whether this vaccination is effective for black cockatoos to protect against H5 avian influenza. The findings will guide future decisions around whether vaccination could be used to help protect these species if there is a significant outbreak in WA.
+ Why is Perth Zoo conducting the trial?
Perth Zoo is the State’s leading organisation in black cockatoo conservation medicine. More than 350 black cockatoos are triaged and treated at the Zoo’s veterinary hospital every year. The Zoo has the appropriate expertise and facilities to manage this trial effectively.
+ Are wild black cockatoos being vaccinated?
No. The trial is being conducted only with birds in Perth Zoo's permanent care.
+ Will the vaccine prevent black cockatoos from getting bird flu?
The trial is assessing the immune response generated by the vaccine. Antibody levels are being measured as an indicator of potential protection.
Vaccinations do not prevent animals from catching the virus but can reduce risk of illness or death and reduce the risk of shedding the virus and passing it on to other birds.
+ Are there plans to do trials with other species?
Vaccination is being considered to help protect vulnerable bird species from the impacts of H5 bird flu. Ongoing discussions are occurring with DPIRD, DAFF and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to vaccinate priority bird species in WA.
Frequently Asked Questions
+ Am I at risk of contracting bird flu if I visit the Zoo?
The risk to human health is minimal and walking through the Zoo is no different to walking through your local neighbourhood park, except with greater biosecurity measures.
The safety of our people and animals is always our priority, and we have some precautionary measures in place.
You may notice some small changes during your visit as part of these precautions such as additional barriers, extra signage and hand sanitiser points, or adjustments to certain habitats.
These measures are designed to reduce contact between zoo animals and wild birds, which helps both you and vulnerable species safe.
+ How are you protecting your animals?
Perth Zoo has already taken significant steps to protect its animals. Roofing barriers were installed over habitats housing some of our most endangered species inclining Western Ground Parrots, Numbats and black cockatoos. These barriers minimise contact with wild birds.
These extra measures build on our already robust biosecurity systems and are thanks to several years of preparation for a potential outbreak of bird flu.
As an added precaution, we may introduce further operational changes if required. This could include temporarily closing certain habitats, such as aviaries to reduce risk. We may also implement additional protective measures, such as requiring personal protective equipment (PPE) like foot coverings for staff and visitors entering specific habitats.
+ What will happen to Perth Zoo’s black cockatoo program?
Perth Zoo remains committed to the crucial role we play in black cockatoo conservation for Western Australia. Our vet hospital treats hundreds of injured and sick black cockatoos every year before they are rehabilitated and released back into the wild.
The Zoo’s vet experts have stringent biosecurity measures in place, and we are exploring additional options to reduce risk to our animal population.
+ I’ve found a dead bird. Can I bring it to the Zoo for treatment?
No, if you find deceased wildlife, please do not touch it. Follow the guidelines of Avoid, Record, Report.
Avoid, Record, Report
- Avoid contact with the animal. Do not touch it or attempt to move it.
- Record what you've seen and note the location, date and time.
- Report it to the government's Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888 (select WA option).
+ Why are some areas closed to visitors?
Currently no areas of the Zoo are closed, however, this may change as the situation evolves.
Some species are more susceptible to H5 bird flu than others and we are taking precautions to protect them. Certain areas or walk-through habitats may need to temporarily close to reduce the risk to these animals. We appreciate your understanding.
+ Will this impact my upcoming Animal Experience booking?
At this stage all our Animal Experiences are running as normal and we’re looking forward to welcoming you!
But please be aware that bird flu is an evolving situation and our operations may need to change to ensure the safety of our animals. This could mean adding extra PPE requirements for participants, or some experiences may need to be cancelled in the future. If there is a change to your booking, we will be in touch as soon as possible.