With confirmed bird flu cases now reported in Australia, we know you may have questions or concerns about what this means for your pets. News about bird flu can feel worrying, particularly if you have a pet bird or pets that spend time outdoors.
While the situation is being taken very seriously by veterinary and government authorities, transmission to humans and pets remains low.
Our priority is to protect pets, wildlife, pet owners, our team and the wider community while continuing to provide care wherever it is safe for us to do so. We're closely monitoring the situation and following the latest advice, and we've put together this guide to help you understand what bird flu means for your pets and the simple steps you can take to help keep them safe.
What does bird flu mean for your pet bird?
If you have a pet bird, it's completely understandable to be wondering what bird flu could mean for them. While bird flu primarily affects wild birds and poultry, companion bird owners should still be aware of the current situation and take sensible precautions to reduce the risk of exposure.
There are simple steps you can take to help keep your bird safe. Staying informed, avoiding contact with wild birds and monitoring your bird's health are some of the most effective things you can do.
Our team is closely monitoring the situation and following the latest advice to help protect all animals in our care.
Signs of illness to watch for
Many bird illnesses can cause similar symptoms, and seeing one or more of these signs doesn't necessarily mean your bird has bird flu. However, it's important to monitor your bird closely and seek advice if you're concerned.
Signs that may indicate bird flu include:
- Reduced appetite or changes in eating habits
- Lethargy, weakness or unusual quietness
- Difficulty breathing or changes in breathing
- Discharge from the eyes or nostrils
- Swelling around the face or eyes
- Changes in droppings
- Tremors, weakness or difficulty perching or standing
- Sudden or unexpected death
If your bird is showing signs of illness, please call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 before attending your primary vet or nearest Animal Emergency Service.
How you can help protect your pet bird from bird flu
There are some simple precautions you can take to help reduce the risk of exposure and protect your bird.
The most important thing you can do is minimise opportunities for contact with wild birds and maintain good hygiene around your bird's environment. Small changes can make a big difference.
You can help protect your bird by:
- Keeping your bird indoors wherever possible.
- Preventing direct contact between your bird and wild birds.
- Avoiding areas where wild birds regularly gather, particularly around shared food or water sources.
- Cleaning cages, perches, food bowls and water containers regularly.
- Washing your hands before and after handling your bird, their food or their enclosure.
- Avoiding sharing cages, carriers or equipment with birds from other households.
- Avoiding feeding wild birds around your home, as this can encourage wildlife to congregate nearby.
What does bird flu mean for your dog or cat?
You may also be wondering whether bird flu can affect your dog or cat. While bird flu primarily affects birds, there have been reports internationally of infection in some mammals following close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. For most household pets, the risk remains low.
The biggest concern is preventing dogs and cats from interacting with sick or deceased wild birds.
To help reduce the risk to your pets:
- Don't allow your dog or cat to investigate, play with or consume wild birds.
- Avoid contact with bird droppings, feathers and bird carcasses.
- Keep cats indoors where practical, particularly if there is bird flu activity in your area.
- Supervise dogs when exercising in areas where wild birds gather, such as beaches, wetlands and waterways.
- Contact your veterinarian if your pet becomes unwell after contact with a bird or bird-contaminated environment.
- The risk to most dogs and cats remains low, and simple precautions are usually enough to significantly reduce the chance of exposure.
What should you do if your bird becomes sick?
If your bird becomes unwell, it's important not to panic. Many common illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those listed above, and a sick bird does not necessarily mean bird flu.
However, because bird flu is a reportable disease, we recommend seeking advice before travelling with your bird.
If your bird is showing signs of illness, please call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 before attending the hospital.
This helps ensure you receive the most appropriate advice and allows the necessary precautions to be taken to protect other animals, clients and veterinary staff.
If your bird has experienced an obvious accident or injury, such as a window strike, entanglement, trauma or another non-illness-related emergency, please call your local hospital before arriving.
Our team can discuss the safest way to provide treatment while maintaining appropriate biosecurity measures.
Our goal is always to provide care wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so, and we'll work with you to determine the best next steps for your bird.
What should you do if you find a sick, injured or deceased wild bird?
Finding a wild bird that appears injured, unwell or deceased can be upsetting, and we know many people's first instinct is to try to help.
At the moment, the safest thing you can do is avoid touching or moving the bird and seek advice from the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
If you find a sick, injured or deceased wild bird:
- Do not touch or move the bird.
- Leave the bird where it is.
- Contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
- Follow the advice provided by the hotline team.
We understand this can feel difficult, particularly when an animal appears to need help.
Unfortunately, direct handling may increase the risk of disease spread and could put both people and animals at risk. For this reason, we're unable to safely accept found wild birds during the current response.
Staying informed about bird flu
We understand that reports of bird flu may feel concerning, especially if you share your home with birds or have pets that spend time outdoors.
While bird flu is being taken very seriously by veterinary and government authorities, it remains relatively uncommon in Australia and the risk to most pets and people remains low. Simple precautions, staying informed and seeking advice if you're concerned can go a long way towards protecting your pets and your family.
Our team will continue to monitor official advice and update this information as new guidance becomes available. To stay up to date, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
If you're concerned about your pet's health or have questions about bird flu, please don't hesitate to contact your local hospital for advice.
