On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. "The priority species will be identified based on vulnerability to the H5 bird flu and the potential conservation impact,” she said. In a similar move, neighbouring New Zealand decided in July to launch a vaccination programme for 300 key breeding birds belonging to five of its most endangered species. Government data shows that roughly 45 per cent of Australia’s 850 bird species are endemic, meaning they are entirely unique to the country and are not found anywhere else on the planet. Australia was the last continent to report bird flu, although the virus had previously been identified in late 2025 on the sub-Antarctic territory of Heard Island.