Bird flu forum for pet owners as state response continues

South Australian pet owners are being offered the chance to hear directly from the experts leading the state’s H5 bird flu response at an online forum tonight.

Kicking off at 6pm, this webinar will provide the latest information about bird flu and provide helpful advice on how people can better protect their cats, dogs and other pets from H5 bird flu.

The session will be hosted by Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Skye Fruean and representatives from the Department for Environment and Water, SA Health and the RSPCA.

Bird flu outbreaks elsewhere in the world have demonstrated that cats and dogs are at risk of catching the H5 bird flu virus, particularly when they’re allowed to roam and hunt wildlife. There have already been H5 bird flu detections in wild foxes in South Australia.

An online forum was also held in August for owners of pet birds and backyard poultry, with the session drawing more than 200 people seeking advice about reducing the risk of bird flu spreading from wild birds.

These webinars form part of the Malinauskas Government’s continuing efforts to directly engage with key stakeholders including primary industries, the wildlife sector, and the broader community.

Community forums have also been held across the state, giving South Australians the opportunity to hear from experts and Ministers.

The next community forum will be held on Tuesday, 17 November, from 7pm to 8.30pm, at the Port Lincoln Hotel.

It comes as the Malinauskas Government builds on its H5 bird flu response by supporting veterinarians and wildlife carers to continue to maintain strong biosecurity and workplace safety practices, with the roll-out of around 200 personal protective equipment (PPE) kits across the state.

These kits will support the continuation of day-to-day veterinary and wildlife care activities, including regions as far and wide as the Eyre Peninsula and Limestone Coast.

To register attendance for the H5 bird flu information session for pet owners, as well as any upcoming community forums, visit community forums.

South Australians are encouraged to continue to report sick or dead birds or other wildlife.

Avoid touching sick or dead birds and other wildlife. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For information on bird flu preparedness in South Australia, visit birdflu.sa.gov.au.