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David Hood @thoughtfulnz.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

_Some_ countries are vaccinating their penguins (looks across Tasman) theconversation.com/more-than-5-...

theconversation.com

More than 5,000 little penguins will be vaxxed against bird flu. How will this protect them?

Little penguins are flightless and return at night to the same burrow, making it easier to capture and vaccinate them.

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tuffrings.bsky.social @tuffrings.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

To be fair, there seems to be a plan to vaccinate mainland breeding hoiho against HPAI: www.penguinrescue.nz/weekly-updat... Their infographic includes this point: "Panic actions now would be disruptive and may not be necessary."

Penguin Rescue NZ's infographic about their Hoiho HPAI Vacination Plan.

Transcript:

"Hoiho HPAI Vaccination Plan

Protecting our yellow-eyed penguins for generation to come ❤️

HPAI has arrived in New Zealand

It has reached the North Island and is likely to spread.
Our goal: protect breeding adults before it reaches us.

Penguins worldwide have been severely affected. Vaccination is our best defence.

Our Strategy

1. At the nest

Late August: vaccinate birds as they return to breed.

2. Second dose

Repeat after ~1 month while birds are incubating.

3. If virus arrives sooner

Uplift & hold breeding birds safely until second dose can be given.

Penguin welfare

We will take the approach that causes the least disturbance while providing the best protection.

2 doses, 1 month apart for maximum effectiveness

Vet led: Pauline (trained vet) visits 23 August. She will train our team to deliver it.

Breeders only: ~60 breeding adults across our 3 colonies = ~120 vaccine doses required.

Why it matters: Adult survival comes first. Current chick survival is < 10%.

Timing & Outlook

Overseas experience: 3-4 months for HPAI to spread across a country.
If the virus stays away, we will vaccinate at the nest in a penguin-friendly way.
Panic actions now would be disruptive and may not be necessary.

Next steps:
Coordinate with Pauline and DOC
Prepare for 23 August visit
Monitor HPAI situation closely
Plan for both nest-based vaccination and emergency response
Communicate clearly and promptly

Strong korero, good plannning, healthy hoiho ❤️

Mana whenua | DOC | Penguin Rescue NZ | Our community"

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tuffrings.bsky.social @tuffrings.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

This is from their weekly update on 2 August 2026, to put that "now" into context.

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