Recent detections of avian influenza (bird flu) in wild birds in Western Australia have prompted increased monitoring across Australia.

While there is currently no need for panic, it is a good reminder for pet owners to understand how bird flu can affect animals and what simple steps can help reduce risk.

As someone who has spent most of my life working with wildlife, domestic animals, livestock and exotic species, I believe preparation and education are always better than fear.

What Is Bird Flu?

Avian influenza (H5N1) is a virus that primarily affects birds, particularly wild waterfowl and domestic poultry such as chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys.

Overseas, the virus has also been detected in a growing number of mammal species including:

• Cats
• Dogs
• Dairy cattle
• Foxes
• Otters
• Seals and sea lions
• Bears
• Tigers and other zoo carnivores

Most infections occur when animals come into contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.

How it spreads

The virus can spread through contaminated clothing and shoes. It can also spread through animals, vehicles and equipment, and items like egg cartons.
Most bird flu strains do not spread easily from animals to people. There is no evidence that the current H5 bird flu strain spreads between people.

Bird flu transmission requires close contact with infected birds or other infected animals, or contaminated environments.
Avian influenza is a nationally notifiable disease meaning if you suspect an animal is showing signs of the disease, you must report it.

Signs to watch for in birds and mammals

Look for unusual behaviours and symptoms, such as:
• Difficulty moving such as droopy wings, dragging legs and lying down
• Unusual behaviour or posture - twisting of the neck, paralysis, staggering
• Head or limb swelling
• Tiredness/lethargy or reluctance to walk, eat or drink
• Respiratory such as panting, nasal discharge or sneezing
• Diarrhoea
• Sudden death, or deaths of multiple birds

Can Dogs Catch Bird Flu?

Yes, although it remains uncommon.

Dogs can become infected through:

Scavenging

Eating dead or sick birds found in parks, beaches or bushland.

Direct Contact

Interacting closely with infected birds, poultry or other infected animals.

Environmental Exposure

Investigating areas contaminated with bird droppings or bodily fluids.

Signs of Bird Flu in Dogs

• Symptoms may include:
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Reduced appetite
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Red or irritated eyes
• Difficulty breathing

In rare cases:

• Wobbliness
• Tremors
• Neurological signs

Many of these symptoms can also occur with more common illnesses, so veterinary assessment is always recommended if your dog becomes unwell.

What About Cats?

Cats appear to be more susceptible than dogs.

Outdoor cats that hunt birds may be at greater risk if bird flu becomes more widespread.

Consider:

• Keeping cats indoors during local outbreaks.
• Preventing hunting behaviour where possible.
• Seeking veterinary advice if respiratory or neurological signs develop.

What About Pet Birds?

• Pet birds should not come into contact with wild birds.
• Simple precautions include:
• Keeping aviaries secure.
• Preventing wild birds accessing food and water.
• Cleaning feeders and bowls regularly.
• Avoiding introduction of new birds without appropriate quarantine.

What About Backyard Chickens?

Backyard poultry owners should:

• Prevent contact between chickens and wild birds.
• Cover feed and water sources.
• Limit access by waterfowl.
• Monitor birds for illness.
• Report unusual sickness or sudden deaths to authorities.

Coastal Pet Owners: A Special Consideration

For those living near beaches, rivers and estuaries, bird flu awareness is particularly important.

Many dogs naturally investigate:

• Dead seabirds
• Washed-up wildlife
• Bird carcasses
• Feathers and nesting areas

While most encounters are harmless, allowing dogs to retrieve or carry dead birds increases the potential risk of disease exposure.

If you find a dead or sick bird:

• Do not allow your dog to approach it.
• Keep your dog on lead.
• Avoid handling the bird unless directed by authorities.
• Report unusual wildlife deaths to the appropriate agency.

Thrivvy's Pet Preparedness Plan

The goal is not to panic but to be prepared.

For Dogs

✓ Prevent scavenging.

✓ Keep dogs away from sick or dead wildlife.

✓ Avoid feeding raw poultry products during outbreaks.

✓ Wash hands after handling wildlife or poultry.

✓ Monitor for signs of illness.

For Cats

✓ Keep cats indoors where practical.

✓ Reduce hunting opportunities.

✓ Monitor health closely.

For Pet Birds

✓ Limit exposure to wild birds.

✓ Maintain excellent hygiene.

✓ Secure food and water sources.

For Backyard Poultry

✓ Improve biosecurity.

✓ Restrict wild bird access.

✓ Report unusual illness.

A Welfare Perspective

From a Five Domains welfare perspective, disease prevention supports:

1. Nutrition
2. Physical Health
3. Environment
4. Behavioural Interactions
5. Mental State

Simple preventative measures help protect both physical health and emotional wellbeing by allowing pets to continue living safe, enriched lives.

The Bottom Line

The current risk to Australian pets remains low.

However, awareness is important, particularly for coastal communities, wildlife carers, backyard poultry owners and pet owners whose animals spend time outdoors.

Preparation does not mean panic.

It simply means understanding the risks, making sensible decisions and continuing to provide our animals with safe, positive experiences every day.

Stay informed. Stay observant. Stay Safe.