The recent detection of highly pathogenic H5 bird flu (avian influenza) in wild birds on the Australian mainland has prompted increased biosecurity measures and public health advice. While the risk to most household pets and people currently remains low, pet owners can take simple precautions to help minimise the risk of exposure.
What is bird flu?
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a viral disease that primarily affects birds. Wild waterbirds and seabirds are natural carriers, and infected birds can spread the virus through saliva, nasal secretions and droppings.
The greatest risk of transmission to other animals comes through direct contact with infected birds, their bodily fluids, faeces or contaminated environments. Hunting or scavenging sick or dead birds also increases the risk of exposure.
How can pets be exposed?
Current advice shows that pets are most likely to be exposed through:
- Contact with sick or dead wild birds
- Contact with bird droppings or other bodily fluids from infected birds
- Hunting or scavenging wild birds
- Spending time in areas heavily frequented by waterfowl or seabirds
What does this mean for dogs and cats?
At this stage, the risk to most non-avian pets remains very low. However, pet owners are encouraged to take sensible precautions, particularly when walking near beaches, wetlands, lakes, ponds or other areas where wild birds gather.
To reduce the risk:
- Do not allow dogs, cats or other pets to investigate, catch or consume sick, injured or dead birds.
- Keep cats indoors where possible.
- Keep dogs on a lead in areas with high wild bird activity.
- Avoid contact with bird droppings, feathers and bird carcasses.
- Wash your hands after unavoidable contact with wildlife or bird-contaminated environments.
- Wipe your dog’s paws and coat after walks in areas with significant wild bird activity.
- Keep outdoor food and water bowls out of reach of wild birds and rodents.
If your pet has had contact with a sick or dead bird and becomes unwell, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Advice for bird owners
Owners of pet parrots, cockatiels, budgies and other companion birds should take additional precautions to reduce the likelihood of exposure.
Recommended measures include:
- Keep birds indoors wherever possible.
- Prevent direct contact with wild birds.
- Avoid allowing pet birds outside in areas frequented by waterfowl, seabirds or other wildlife.
- Wash hands before and after handling birds.
- Avoid sharing cages, carriers or equipment between households.
- Avoid feeding wild birds around your property.
Protecting backyard poultry
Backyard chicken owners can take simple precautions to help protect their flock.
Practical steps include:
- Keep poultry separated from wild birds and avoid free-ranging where practical.
- Cover feed and water sources to prevent contamination by wild birds.
- Bird-proof coops using netting or appropriate roofing where possible.
- Restrict poultry access to ponds, dams and natural waterways used by wild birds.
- Use dedicated footwear when entering poultry areas.
- Wash hands after handling birds, eggs or equipment.
- Avoid introducing new birds into your flock without appropriate precautions.
Signs and symptoms in birds
Bird owners should monitor for signs including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Nasal or eye discharge
- Vomiting or regurgitation
- Neurological signs such as head tilt, tremors, seizures or loss of coordination
- Severe lethargy
- Sudden deaths, particularly if multiple birds are affected
If several birds become sick or die unexpectedly, it should be reported immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 for advice and investigation.
