by Thomas Oakley-NewellOctober 16, 2026
FacebookXShare Five things pet owners should know about bird flu – Pet Industry News
With bird flu continuing to spread among wild birds in Australia and cases now being detected in parts of NSW, pet owners may be wondering what the outbreak means for their dogs, cats and backyard birds.
While the risk to most of our furry friends remains low, animals can be exposed through contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. For pet owners, this means knowing what to look out for and how to reduce unnecessary exposure in order to keep their pets safe.
Here are five things pet owners need to know about when it comes to bird flu:
1. Keep pets away from sick or dead birds
The most important step pet owners can take is to prevent their animals from coming into contact with wild birds that appear sick, or have died.
Dogs and cats are naturally curious, and unfortunately a dead bird can be an irresistible target for a sniff, paw or bite. However, contact with infected birds or contaminated material can create an opportunity for disease transmission. If you come across a dead or sick bird, keep pets away and avoid handling it yourself. In NSW, members of the public can report sick or dead wild birds to the relevant authorities, which can go a long way in keeping risk down.
2. Cats may be more exposed because of their hunting habits
Cats that roam outdoors can have more opportunities to encounter wild birds, particularly if they hunt.
While this does not mean every outdoor cat is at significant risk, reducing opportunities for hunting and contact with wild birds is a sensible precaution while bird flu continues to circulate. We’d recommend that cats should be kept enclosed in a cat run and avoid roaming to not only keep them safe, but to protect our wildlife. Particularly in areas where bird flu has been detected, keeping cats indoors or providing secure outdoor spaces, such as cat enclosures, can help reduce their exposure.
For dogs, keeping them on lead in areas where sick or dead birds have been reported can also help prevent them from investigating or eating birds.
3. Know the signs that something isn’t right
Owners should be alert to any unusual changes in their animal’s health, particularly if they know their pet has had contact with a sick or dead bird.
Signs can vary, but may include respiratory problems, lethargy, loss of appetite, neurological symptoms or other sudden changes in behaviour or health.
These symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions, so owners should not assume that an unwell pet has bird flu, however, if an animal becomes sick after possible exposure to an infected bird, it is important to contact a veterinarian and explain the potential exposure. Across the VetPartners network, veterinary teams can help assess concerns about a pet’s health and advise on appropriate next steps.
4. Backyard chickens and aviary birds need protection too
Pet owners with chickens, ducks, aviary birds or other domestic birds should think about how they can limit contact between their animals and wild birds.
This can include preventing wild birds from accessing food and water, keeping feed and water containers clean and considering how outdoor areas can be managed to reduce opportunities for wild birds to mix with domestic birds.
Good hygiene is also highly important, meaning that owners should wash their hands after handling birds and clean equipment, footwear and other items that may have been exposed to potentially contaminated areas.
5. Don’t panic, but take sensible precautions
The best approach is to focus on practical steps; keeping pets away from sick or dead birds, reducing hunting and scavenging behaviour, maintaining good hygiene around domestic birds and contacting a vet if an animal becomes unwell following a potential exposure.
If a pet has picked up or eaten a dead bird, owners should avoid trying to induce vomiting or treating the animal themselves, contacting their veterinarian promptly instead for advice. As the situation develops, pet owners should also follow advice from Australian biosecurity and animal health authorities, particularly in areas where cases have been identified.
For most households, a few straightforward changes to how pets interact with wildlife can help reduce unnecessary exposure, while allowing owners to continue enjoying time outdoors with their animals.
This article was written by Dr Russell Harrison at Vet Partners.
