Archive · 14 Sep 2026
How Australian Pet Owners Can Reduce H5 Bird Flu Risks
H5 bird flu is a virus that mainly affects birds but can sometimes infect pets.
Cats may become very sick very quickly, while dogs usually have milder illness.
Australian pets currently face a very low risk, and no pet cases have been recorded in Australia.
Pets can catch the virus by touching infected wildlife, eating contaminated raw food, or being exposed to contaminated places.
Cats should stay indoors when possible, and dogs should be kept on leashes.
Owners should avoid feeding pets raw meat, unpasteurised dairy, or improperly processed pet food.
If a pet becomes sick after contact with birds or wildlife, owners should call a veterinarian before visiting.
Keeping hands, clothes, shoes, and equipment clean can help prevent bringing the virus home.
Australia has recorded no H5 bird flu cases in pets, and the risk to most cats and dogs remains extremely low.
Cats may become severely ill and die rapidly after infection, while dogs generally appear less vulnerable to severe disease.
Pets can encounter the virus through infected wildlife, contaminated environments, raw animal products, or contaminated clothing and equipment.
Warning signs include fever, lethargy, appetite loss, breathing problems, eye or nose discharge, tremors, seizures, and sudden blindness.
Owners should keep cats indoors where possible, leash dogs, avoid raw animal products, and strengthen hygiene around wildlife and poultry.
- Who
- Australian pet owners, cats, dogs, veterinarians, and wildlife or poultry workers are involved.
- What
- The article explains how pets could catch H5 bird flu, symptoms to watch for, and ways to reduce exposure.
- When
- During Australia’s ongoing H5 bird flu outbreak; no pet cases had been recorded in Australia at the time of publication.
- Where
- Australia, with examples of pet infections reported overseas in Poland, South Korea, and Belgium.
- Why
- To help owners prevent infection and seek veterinary guidance safely if their pets become ill.
- Current Australian pet cases
- No H5 bird flu cases in Australian pets have been recorded.
- Risk level
- The risk to most Australian cats and dogs remains extremely low.
- Most vulnerable pets
- Cats can develop severe disease rapidly; dogs appear less vulnerable to severe illness.
- Possible exposure routes
- Infected wildlife, contaminated environments, raw animal products, and contaminated clothing, footwear, or equipment.
- Pet vaccines
- No vaccinations are currently available for pets.
- Important symptoms
- Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, coughing, breathing difficulty, eye or nose discharge, tremors, seizures, and sudden blindness.
- Emergency hotline
- Sick or dead wildlife can be reported to Australia’s Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888.