Bird flu has recently become a topic of growing public attention following confirmed cases in Australia. Whether you share your home with a pet bird, have an adventurous cat, or regularly walk your dog in areas where wild birds gather, news of bird flu can naturally raise questions and concerns.
While veterinary and government authorities are taking the situation very seriously, the risk of transmission of bird flu from humans to pets remains low.
We’re committed to protecting 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, following the latest advice, and sharing practical information to help you understand the risks and the simple steps you can take to keep your pets safe.
The risks of bird flu for cats and dogs
Many pet owners are also asking whether bird flu can affect dogs and cats. 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, however, the risk remains low.
The greatest concern is preventing dogs and cats from interacting with sick or deceased wild birds.
Simple precautions can help reduce the risk:
- 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 to Do if You Find a Sick, Injured or Deceased Wild Bird
Encountering a wild bird that appears unwell, injured or deceased can be distressing, and many people’s first instinct is to step in and help.
At this time, the safest approach is to avoid touching or moving the bird and seek advice from the appropriate authorities.
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.
The risks of bird flu for pet birds
For owners of pet birds, it’s natural to wonder how bird flu may affect your pet. Although bird flu primarily affects wild birds and poultry, pet bird owners should stay informed about the current situation and take sensible precautions to reduce the risk of exposure.
Fortunately, there are several straightforward ways to help protect your bird. Avoiding contact with wild birds, keeping up to date with the latest advice and monitoring your bird’s health can all make a significant difference.
Our team is continuing to monitor developments closely and follow the latest guidance to help protect all animals in our care.
Bird flu symptoms to monitor in your bird
Many illnesses in birds can produce similar symptoms, so the presence of one or more of these signs does not necessarily indicate bird flu. However, if you notice any changes in your bird’s health, it’s important to monitor them closely and seek advice if you’re concerned.
Signs that may indicate illness 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 Perth Vet Emergency.
How can you help protect your pet bird from bird flu?
Taking a few extra precautions can help minimise the risk of exposure to bird flu for your pet bird.
The most effective measures focus on reducing contact with wild birds and maintaining good hygiene practices around your pet bird’s environment. Even small adjustments can help protect your pet.
Helping reduce exposure to bird flu for your bird
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 to do if your bird becomes unwell?
If your bird develops signs of illness, try not to panic. Many common bird illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those associated with bird flu, and illness alone does not mean your bird has bird flu.
Because bird flu is a reportable disease, it’s important to seek 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 allows you to receive the most appropriate advice and helps ensure any necessary precautions are 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 our 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.
Staying up to date on bird flu
For most pet owners, bird flu is unlikely to pose a significant risk to their animals. The best approach is to stay informed, follow sensible precautions and seek veterinary advice if you have concerns about your pet’s health or possible exposure.
We’ll 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 us for advice.
