H5 Bird Flu: Cats and Dogs What Owners Needs to Know 

H5 Bird Flu and Cats: What Every Cat Owner Needs to Know 

H5 bird flu (also known as H5N1 avian influenza) has received a lot of attention recently following detections in wild birds. While this virus primarily affects birds, cats are one of the mammal species known to be susceptible to infection. Fortunately, there are practical steps cat owners can take to reduce the risk and keep their pets safe. 

How do cats become infected? 

Most cats that have contracted H5 bird flu overseas have been exposed through one of the following routes: 

• Hunting or scavenging infected wild birds. 

• Contact with infected poultry or their environments. 

• Eating contaminated raw meat or raw poultry products. 

• Drinking unpasteurised (raw) milk. 

• Contact with contaminated clothing, footwear, equipment, or environments associated with infected animals.  

Although the overall risk to pet cats remains low, cats appear to be more susceptible to severe disease than many other companion animals when infection does occur.  

How can I protect my cat? 

There are several simple precautions that can significantly reduce your cat’s risk: 

Keep cats indoors or in secure outdoor enclosures. This prevents them from hunting or interacting with wild or dead birds, which are the primary carriers of the virus.  

Do not feed raw diets or unpasteurised milk. Overseas outbreaks have linked some feline infections to raw pet food, raw poultry products, and raw milk. Although there are currently no confirmed cases within the food chain in Australia, this may happen in the future and so feeding commercially prepared cooked diets and providing fresh water is the safest option.  

Avoid contact with sick or dead birds. If you see a dead or ill bird, do not allow your cat near it and follow the current local reporting recommendations. H5 bird flu update | News, City of Greater Geelong  

Practise good hygiene. Wash your hands after handling birds, poultry equipment, or potentially contaminated materials before interacting with your cat. 

What signs should I watch for? 

The early signs of H5 bird flu in cats can be quite non-specific and may resemble many other illnesses. Affected cats may initially show: 

• Reduced appetite 

• Lethargy or unusual tiredness 

• Fever 

• Hiding or withdrawing from normal activities  

As the disease progresses, symptoms may become more severe and can include: 

Respiratory signs 

• Sneezing 

• Coughing 

• Nasal discharge 

• Eye discharge 

• Rapid breathing 

• Difficulty breathing  

Neurological signs 

• Wobbliness or poor coordination 

• Circling 

• Tremors 

• Seizures 

• Blindness or altered behaviour  

Many reported cases have deteriorated rapidly over a short period, so prompt veterinary attention is essential if these signs occur.  

When should I contact my veterinarian? 

Contact us immediately if your cat develops sudden lethargy, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or has had known contact with a wild bird or other potential source of infection. If possible, phone ahead before arriving so the veterinary team can provide advice and prepare appropriately.  

The bottom line 

For most pet cats, the risk of H5 bird flu remains low. The best protection is keeping cats away from wild birds, avoiding raw food and unpasteurised milk, and seeking veterinary care promptly if your cat becomes unwell. Early recognition and prevention are the most effective tools we have to help keep our feline companions safe.  

H5 Bird Flu and Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know 

While dogs are considered much less susceptible to H5 bird flu than cats, it is still sensible to take a few precautions, particularly if you regularly walk your dog near beaches, wetlands, parks, or other areas where wild birds gather. 

The good news is that the risk to most pet dogs remains very low. However, prevention is always better than cure. 

Can Dogs Catch Bird Flu? 

Yes, dogs can become infected with H5 bird flu, but this appears to be uncommon. Most reported cases worldwide have been associated with direct exposure to infected birds, poultry, or contaminated animal products. 

Dogs are generally less susceptible than cats, but because H5 bird flu continues to affect wild bird populations in some areas, owners should take sensible precautions to minimise risk. 

How Might Dogs Be Exposed? 

Potential sources of infection include: 

• Sniffing, mouthing, or scavenging sick or dead birds. 

• Contact with bird droppings or contaminated environments. 

• Hunting waterfowl or other wild birds. 

• Exposure to infected poultry. 

• Eating raw poultry products from infected animals. 

• Drinking unpasteurised (raw) milk. 

For most family pets, the greatest risk comes from investigating dead birds during walks or scavenging animal carcasses. 

Tips for Walking Your Dog Safely 

If bird flu has been reported in your region, consider the following precautions: 

Keep Your Dog on a Lead 

Dogs should remain on a lead in areas where large numbers of wild birds congregate. This helps prevent them from chasing birds, investigating carcasses, or accessing contaminated material. 

Avoid Dead or Sick Birds 

If you encounter a sick, injured, or dead bird during your walk: 

• Do not allow your dog to approach it. 

• Move away promptly. 

• Follow local government or wildlife authority advice regarding reporting dead wildlife. 

• Do not touch the bird yourself unless specifically instructed by authorities. 

Prevent Scavenging 

Many dogs love to pick up interesting objects during walks. Reinforcing a reliable “leave it” command can help prevent exposure to potentially contaminated animal remains. 

Wash After Walks 

If your dog has been walking in areas frequented by waterbirds, consider rinsing muddy paws after returning home and wash your own hands before handling food. 

Should You Stop Going to the Beach? 

Not necessarily. 

Many dogs can continue to enjoy their usual exercise routines safely. The key is remaining vigilant and avoiding areas where sick or dead birds have been observed. 

If local authorities have issued warnings, temporary closures, or advice to avoid specific locations, follow those recommendations. 

Signs of Bird Flu in Dogs 

The clinical signs can be vague and may resemble many other infections. Contact your veterinarian if your dog develops: 

General Signs 

• Lethargy 

• Reduced appetite 

• Fever 

• Unusual tiredness 

Respiratory Signs 

• Coughing 

• Sneezing 

• Nasal discharge 

• Difficulty breathing 

• Rapid breathing 

Eye Signs 

• Red or inflamed eyes 

• Eye discharge 

Neurological Signs 

• Weakness 

• Unsteadiness 

• Tremors 

• Seizures 

• Changes in behaviour 

These signs are far more commonly caused by other illnesses, but veterinary assessment is important, particularly if your dog has had potential exposure to wild birds. 

What Should I Do If My Dog Has Been Near a Dead Bird? 

Don’t panic. 

Most dogs that briefly investigate a bird will not become ill. However: 

1. Prevent further contact immediately. 

1. Wash your hands after handling your dog. 

1. Monitor your dog closely over the following days. 

1. Contact your veterinarian if any signs of illness develop. 

1. Let your veterinary team know about the exposure if your dog requires medical attention. 

The Take-Home Message 

The risk of H5 bird flu infection in pet dogs remains low, but basic precautions can reduce that risk even further. Keep dogs away from sick or dead birds, discourage scavenging, avoid feeding raw animal products, and seek veterinary advice promptly if your dog becomes unwell. 

With a little extra awareness, you and your dog can continue to enjoy outdoor adventures safely while helping protect both pets and local wildlife. 

In Victoria, the current advice is not to handle or dispose of birds that may have died from H5 bird flu unless specifically directed by authorities. If a bird is suspected of having bird flu, it should be reported rather than moved. [agricultur…vic.gov.au],  

If you find a sick or dead bird 

1. Do not touch, move, or handle the bird 

1. Keep people, pets, and livestock away from the carcass and surrounding area 

1. Record the location and, if possible, take a photo from a safe distance.  

1. Report it immediately:  

• Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888 

• Or use the Agriculture Victoria / DEECA reporting portal. [agricultur…vic.gov.au] 

Which birds should be reported? 

In Victoria, authorities request reports of: 

• Any cluster of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species. 

• Even a single sick or dead seabird, waterbird, shorebird, or bird of prey (for example gulls, terns, ducks, swans, pelicans, cormorants, eagles, hawks). [agricultur…vic.gov.au] 

What if the carcass must be removed? 

Handling potentially infected wildlife carries a risk of exposure and environmental spread. But if you have a dead bird in your property which you need to remove, wear gloves, a mask (preferably N95) and put the carcass in a double plastic bag and place it in the red topped landfill bin as per the guidelines. Wash your hands with soap, water and sanitiser upon completion.