Help keep your pets safe from bird flu

The State Government and the RSPCA are encouraging pet owners to implement simple measures to help protect their animals and backyard poultry from H5 bird flu.

South Australia has recorded 163 confirmed cases of H5 bird flu since the virus was first detected in the state on June 24. All of the cases to date have been in wild birds with no detections in poultry or other livestock.

The risk to human health from H5 bird flu remains low.

Australia is the last continent in the world to have H5 bird flu reach its shores and outbreaks overseas have shown that cats, dogs, pet birds and backyard poultry can be infected with the virus.

However, there are actions which can help keep pets safe.

Pet birds and poultry

• Always thoroughly wash your hands with soap before and after handling poultry
• Fence off or put netting over areas of standing water or ponds
• Provide feed and water undercover, so wild birds can’t access it.
• Provide fresh feed and water daily
• Keep feed and water spaces clear of faeces and other organic matter
• Make sure drinking water is treated, especially if it's straight from a natural water source, such as a river or dam
• Regularly change nesting materials
• Make your premises unattractive to wild birds. Use bird scarers, foils or streamers.
• Where more than one poultry species is usually kept together, separate them from one another – keep chickens, ducks and turkeys separate.
• Limit visitor contact with birds – check if essential visitors have recently been at other premises where poultry are kept

Cats and kittens

• Prevent cats from roaming by keeping them indoors to minimise their contact with wild birds
• If they do spend time outside, use a secure outdoor enclosure that prevents contact with wild birds
• Keep cat’s food and water indoors and out of reach of birds
• Always ensure they have access to fresh and clean water

Dogs and puppies

• Keep dogs on a lead in public areas, especially when walking in areas where wildlife is present including on the beach
• Keep dogs away from sick or dead birds or other wildlife
• Keep dog’s food and water indoors and out of reach of birds
• Always ensure they have access to fresh and clean water
• Clean your shoes thoroughly after walking your dog in a wildlife area

Since 2022, more than $8 million has been committed by the South Australian and Australian Governments to H5 bird flu preparedness to strengthen our emergency animal disease response capability, including the mobile laboratory and decontamination trailers, and specialist equipment.

In addition, $3.5 million from the Australian Government is supporting H5 bird flu preparedness and wildlife resilience projects across the state, helping protect threatened species and strengthen local preparedness.

South Australians are encouraged to continue being vigilant in reporting sick and dead birds and 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 67 888.

For the latest updates, information and advice about H5 bird flu in South Australia, visit birdflu.sa.gov.au.