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What does bird flu mean for pets?

With the arrival of the highly contagious H5N1 bird flu strain in Australia, pet owners are being urged to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of exposure. While the risk to most dogs and cats remains low, keeping pets away from sick or dead wildlife, limiting contact with wild birds, and following good biosecurity practices can help protect companion animals, backyard birds and native wildlife.

RSPCA Australia
Monday, 31 August 2026

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A new and highly contagious strain of bird flu has arrived on Australian shores. H5N1 avian influenza is a serious strain of bird flu that has had devastating impacts on wild birds and poultry overseas, and has now been detected in Australia as an established outbreak for the first time.

Understandably, its arrival has raised concerns amongst the community. For animal caregivers especially, the main concern for many is what does this mean for my pet?

For most dogs and cats, the current risk is low, but low risk is not the same as no risk. The good news is that there are steps animal caregivers can take to reduce the risk of exposure for their animal companions. Steps that will reduce their chance of exposure, and support broader efforts to limit the spread of disease among wildlife, backyard birds, and farmed poultry.

Bird flu explained

Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is a viral disease that primarily affects birds. Some strains cause mild disease, while others, including H5N1, can cause severe illness and death in birds. The virus can spread through droppings, feathers, saliva, and other body fluids, and can be carried by wild birds, including migratory birds and seabirds. In the right conditions, the virus can survive in the environment for months and can spread through contaminated clothing and shoes, contact with infected birds or other infected animals, or contaminated environments or surfaces.

Despite the name, bird flu doesn’t only affect birds. This strain has been detected overseas in mammals, including seals, foxes, cats and, very rarely, dogs. And as of August 2026 in Australia, in various bird species, long-nosed fur seals, and a dolphin. This does not mean animal caregivers need to be fearful, but it does mean close attention should be paid to the situations that increase risk: contact with sick or dead birds, exposure to infected poultry or wildlife, and raw animal products.

Protecting companion animals

While infections in companion animals remain rare, prevention is still the best protection, particularly while we continue to learn how this outbreak may affect different animals in Australia.

Keep dogs on lead when walking, especially around beaches, lakes, wetlands, and other places where wild birds gather. Move their food and water sources to areas protected from wild birds and do not allow them near sick or injured wildlife, even if the animal appears deceased.

For cat caregivers, if possible, contain your cat to your property, limit their exposure to wild birds, and move their food and water sources to areas protected from wild birds. The RSPCA recommends that owned cats should be contained for their safety. Cats allowed to roam may encounter sick or dead birds, bird droppings, or other wildlife and safely containing your cat reduces these opportunities for exposure. If your cat is used to roaming, there are important steps you can take to successfully transition them to a contained environment. Be sure to provide plenty of enrichment, including resting places, scratching posts, hiding spots, vertical space, play and predictable routines, to help them stay safe, settled and stimulated. For more guidance, visit the RSPCA’s Safe and Happy Cats website.

What about backyard chickens and other pet birds?

If you care for backyard chickens or pet birds who spend time outdoors, one of the most helpful things you can do is reduce their contact with wild birds. Keeping them in a covered area can help lower the risk of exposure, while still allowing you to meet their health and welfare needs. Make sure their enclosure is well ventilated, spacious enough for them to move around comfortably, and set up with opportunities for natural behaviours such as nesting, dust bathing and foraging. Their feed and water should also be protected from wild birds and other animals, as contamination is one of the key ways avian influenza can spread.

Signs to watch for

Bird flu infections in companion animals are rare, and the signs can look similar to many other illnesses. But if your pet has recently had contact with wild birds, poultry, or raw animal products, it’s worth being extra cautious.

Possible signs can include loss of appetite, tiredness, coughing, sneezing, discharge from their eyes or nose, difficulty breathing, and neurological signs including incoordination and tremors. If your pet shows these symptoms, contact your veterinarian promptly and let them know if there have been any possible exposures to wildlife or poultry when you book the appointment so they can be well informed ahead of your visit.

Wildlife impact

Avian influenza causes a number of symptoms that impact on wildlife welfare. As difficult as it can be to see a wild animal in distress, do not touch sick or dead birds or other wildlife. Keep pets and people away, record the location, take a photo or video from a safe distance if helpful, and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Reporting incidents helps authorities understand where disease may be present and respond appropriately, which is vital for protecting wildlife, domestic birds, farmed animals, and the wider community.

Staying informed without becoming overwhelmed

The situation with avian influenza H5N1 is developing, and advice may change as more information becomes available. This is why it’s important to rely on trustworthy sources of information including birdflu.gov.au, your state or territory agriculture department, and reputable animal welfare organisations.

In the meantime, following advised precautions is one of the best ways to keep companion animals, wildlife, and poultry safe.

Knowledgebase • Offsite

What do I need to know about H5N1 avian influenza or bird flu?

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