Australian bird flu alert warns pet owners to remain vigilant despite low current risk

Veterinarians caution Australian pet owners as H5 bird flu quarantine efforts continue, highlighting risks especially to cats and the importance of cautious handling and reporting wildlife cases.

Australia’s H5 bird flu response has so far spared pets, but veterinarians are warning owners not to be complacent. Cats are the most vulnerable, with overseas outbreaks showing the virus can cause rapid, severe illness. Dogs can be infected too, though they appear less likely to become seriously unwell.

The CDC says pets can pick up avian influenza through contact with infected wildlife, contaminated surroundings, raw animal products, or even virus carried home on shoes and clothing. That aligns with Australian advice to keep cats indoors where possible, leash dogs, and avoid feeding raw meat, unpasteurised dairy or poorly processed pet food.

The risk to most household pets remains low, according to Australian and overseas public health guidance, but the consequences of infection can be grave. Early signs include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, coughing and breathing difficulties. In cats, the disease may progress to tremours, seizures or sudden blindness.