All Posts | Health Warning

Cats can become infected with H5 bird flu, particularly if they catch, eat or have close contact with an infected bird.

For now, we recommend:

• Keep cats indoors or within a secure outdoor enclosure where possible.
• Do not allow cats to hunt or eat wild birds.
• Keep cats away from sick or dead birds.
• Do not leave cat food or water outside where wild birds can access it.
• If your cat has caught or eaten a sick or dead bird, please contact us for advice.

Possible signs of bird flu in cats can include lethargy, reduced appetite, fever, red or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes or nose, coughing, breathing difficulties or neurological signs such as tremors, poor coordination or seizures.

The risk to dogs is considered low, but dogs can potentially become infected through close contact with infected wildlife.

The main concern is dogs sniffing, licking, picking up or eating sick or dead birds.

We recommend:

• Keep dogs close and under control around beaches, wetlands, lakes and areas where birds congregate.
• Use a lead where there are sick or dead birds nearby.
• Do not allow dogs to sniff, lick, pick up or eat dead birds.
• Keep dogs away from bird droppings and carcasses where possible.
• Do not leave pet food or water outside where wild birds can access it.

If your dog has eaten or had significant contact with a sick or dead bird, please contact us for advice.

Move your pet away from the bird and prevent further contact.

Do not handle the bird yourself.

If your pet is then unwell, contact us and let us know:

• What type of bird it was, if known.
• Whether the bird was alive, sick or dead.
• Whether your pet simply sniffed it, carried it or actually ate part of it.
• When and where the exposure occurred.

We can then advise you on whether monitoring or further assessment is required.

Pet birds are most at risk if they have direct or indirect contact with wild birds.

Bird flu can spread through bird droppings, saliva and other secretions, as well as contaminated food, water, footwear, clothing and equipment.

If you have an aviary, chickens or birds that spend time outdoors:

• Reduce contact with wild birds as much as possible.
• Keep food and water under cover and inaccessible to wild birds.
• Use netting or barriers where practical.
• Keep aviaries, feeders and water containers clean.
• Avoid sharing bird equipment between households unless it has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
• Prevent birds from accessing ponds, creeks or other water sources used by wild birds where possible.

Contact us promptly if several birds become unwell, you notice unusual neurological or respiratory signs, egg production suddenly drops, or a bird dies unexpectedly.

The risk to a completely indoor bird with no contact with wild birds is much lower.

There is generally no reason to isolate yourself or your indoor bird from normal household life.

The main precaution is to avoid accidentally carrying contaminated material inside.

If you have been around sick or dead wild birds, bird colonies or contaminated areas, wash your hands, change footwear and preferably change clothing before handling your pet bird.

Also avoid placing cages, food bowls or water bowls in areas where wild birds can interact with them through open windows, balconies or outdoor enclosures.

For now, we recommend stopping supplementary feeding of wild birds.

Bird feeders bring birds together closely and can create an easy location for diseases such as bird flu to spread between birds.

Northern Beaches Council is currently advising residents not to feed wild birds for this reason. BirdLife Australia has made the same recommendation during the current H5 outbreak.

A better way to support wild birds is to plant native flowering and fruiting plants that provide natural food and shelter without forcing large numbers of birds to congregate around one feeding station.

Bird baths can also bring birds together.

If you continue to provide one, keep it clean and change the water frequently. Avoid placing it close to your pets’ food or water bowls.

If you notice sick or dead birds using the area, stop access and avoid handling the birds yourself. BirdLife Australia currently advises that bird baths can remain available provided they are cleaned frequently.

Do not pick it up and do not bring it directly into the veterinary hospital.

AVOID

Keep your distance. Keep children and pets away. Do not touch the bird, feathers, droppings or surrounding material.

RECORD

If safe, take a photograph or video from a distance and note the exact location, date and approximate number of birds affected.

REPORT

Contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Reports help authorities track where H5 bird flu is occurring.

If several birds are affected in a public area on the Northern Beaches, you can also notify Northern Beaches Council on 1300 434 434.

Please phone us before bringing any wild bird to the hospital.

During the current outbreak, any sick wild bird may need to be treated as a potential bird flu case. Calling first allows our veterinary team to assess the situation and advise you on the safest next step.

Veterinary practices are still able to help sick and injured wildlife, but additional biosecurity precautions may be necessary.

Human infection with H5 bird flu is rare and generally requires close contact with infected birds, animals or contaminated environments.

The current risk to people in Australia remains low.

The most important precaution is simply not to handle sick or dead wild birds.

No.

You can continue enjoying beaches, parks and walking tracks.

Just be more aware around areas where seabirds and waterbirds congregate. Keep dogs close or on a lead, stay away from sick or dead wildlife and follow any temporary signs or restrictions put in place by authorities.

For most Pittwater pet owners, the precautions are straightforward:

Keep cats contained. Keep dogs away from wildlife. Don’t feed wild birds. Protect pet birds from contact with wild birds. And never handle a sick or dead wild bird yourself.

If your pet has had direct contact with a sick or dead bird, or you are concerned about your own pet birds, please contact Pittwater Animal Hospital for advice.