Bird Flu Has Reached Mainland Australia: What Pet Owners Need to Know

For the first time, highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, has now been confirmed on mainland Australia. Eek!

While much of the current concern focuses on wildlife and poultry industries, pet owners are understandably asking an important question:

Can bird flu affect my dog or cat?

The short answer is yes, but there are easy ways you can protect them. Here is what Australian pet owners need to know.

What is bird flu?

Avian influenza is a viral infection that primarily affects birds, particularly:

• Wild waterbirds

• Seabirds

• Poultry including chickens and ducks

The strain currently causing concern globally is H5N1, which has spread rapidly across multiple continents over the last several years - and has already decimated seal and sea lion colonies in South America and sub-Antarctic Heard Island.

In June 2026, Australia confirmed its first mainland detection in wild seabirds in Western Australia. Until now, mainland Australia had remained free from this strain.

Can dogs and cats catch bird flu?

Potentially, yes.

Although birds are the main species affected, there have been international reports of infections in mammals, including:

• Domestic cats

• Dogs

• Foxes

• Seals

• Large cats in zoos

Research shows that cats appear to be more susceptible than dogs, with most infections occuring through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.

How could pets be exposed?

Possible exposure risks include:

• Hunting or catching wild birds

• Contact with sick or dead birds

• Eating raw poultry products from infected sources

• Walking through contaminated areas with bird droppings or infected wildlife

Note that for indoor-only pets, risk remains extremely low. For pet birds and backyard poultry, however, vigilance and good biosecurity are especially important.

What about pet birds?

If you own pet birds such as parrots, budgies, cockatiels, chickens, ducks, or aviary birds, it is especially important to stay informed.

Avian influenza primarily affects birds, and while Australia has historically had strong biosecurity protections, the recent detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) on mainland Australia means bird owners should now be extra cautious.

Pet birds can potentially become infected through contact with:

• Wild birds visiting outdoor aviaries

• Contaminated food or water sources

• Surfaces exposed to bird droppings from infected wild birds

• Shared environments where wild waterbirds gather nearby

At this stage, the risk to indoor companion birds remains relatively low, but birds housed outdoors or in open aviaries may have greater exposure risk.

Signs of illness in pet birds

Birds often hide signs of illness until they are quite unwell, so subtle changes matter.

Watch for:

• Fluffed up feathers for prolonged periods

• Lethargy or reduced activity

• Reduced appetite

• Sudden drop in vocalisation

• Nasal discharge

• Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing

• Diarrhoea or changes in droppings

• Sudden unexplained death in backyard poultry or aviary birds

Because birds can deteriorate rapidly, prompt veterinary attention is important if you notice any unusual changes.

How bird owners can reduce risk

There are several simple precautions bird owners can take:

• Keep companion birds indoors where possible

• Prevent contact between pet birds and wild birds

• Cover outdoor aviaries to minimise exposure to wild bird droppings

• Clean food and water containers daily

• Avoid introducing new birds without appropriate quarantine measures

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling birds or cleaning enclosures

• Monitor local government updates regarding wildlife disease outbreaks

If you keep backyard poultry, maintaining strict hygiene and limiting wild bird access to feed and water is especially important.

Should bird owners be worried?

There is no need to panic, but increased awareness is important.

Australia has strong veterinary surveillance systems in place, and early detection helps reduce spread.

If you own birds and notice unusual illness, sudden deaths, or have concerns about possible exposure, contacting your veterinarian early is always the safest option.

Signs to watch for in cats, dogs and other pets

Symptoms can vary but may include:

• Fever

• Lethargy

• Reduced appetite

• Breathing difficulties

• Neurological signs such as tremors or incoordination

These signs are not specific to bird flu, but any unwell pet should always be assessed promptly.

How to protect your pets

Simple precautions can help reduce risk:

• Prevent dogs and cats from interacting with wild birds

• Avoid beaches or areas where sick or dead birds are found

• Do not feed raw poultry diets from unverified sources

• Keep cats indoors where possible

• Report unusual wildlife deaths to local authorities

Should pet owners panic?

No - you definitely don’t need to panic.

At present, risk to household pets like cats and dogs remains very low. For pet birds and backyard poultry, vigilance and good biosecurity are especially important - as is keeping informed and up to date on any new outbreaks.

Australia’s first mainland detection is an important reminder that emerging infectious diseases can affect both wildlife and domestic animals - and that staying informed and taking sensible precautions is the best approach.

If your pet has had contact with sick birds or develops unusual symptoms, contact us at Lennox Head Vet Clinic as soon as possible.