Bird Flu

HPAI Bird Flu: Practical Advice for Bird Owners

By Dr Hamish Baron

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1), often called “bird flu”, has now been detected in Western Australia.

While the overall risk to most companion birds remains low, the presence of active cases on the Australian mainland is an important reminder that good biosecurity practices play a key role in reducing the risk of disease transmission.

For most pet bird owners, simple biosecurity measures can significantly reduce the risk to their birds. The following practical steps are designed to help bird owners understand the current situation and help keep their birds safe.

Protecting Companion Birds

  • Keep birds indoors wherever possible.
  • Prevent direct contact with wild birds.
  • Avoid allowing birds outside in areas frequented by waterfowl, seabirds or other wildlife.
  • Wash hands before and after handling birds.
  • Avoid sharing cages, carriers or equipment between households.
  • Avoid feeding wild birds around your property.

Protecting Backyard Poultry

  • Prevent all contact between poultry and wild birds.
  • Keep backyard poultry confined to their coop and avoid free-ranging where possible.
  • Cover feed and water sources so they cannot be contaminated by wild birds.
  • Consider making chicken coops “bird proof” with appropriate roofing, netting or bird wire.
  • Restrict access to ponds, dams and natural water sources used by wild birds.
  • Use dedicated footwear for poultry areas and change shoes before and after servicing chickens.
  • Wash hands after handling birds, eggs or equipment.
  • Avoid introducing new birds to your flock.

What About Dogs and Cats?

  • Do not allow dogs, cats or other pets to investigate, handle or consume sick, injured or dead wild birds.
  • Keep cats indoors where possible.
  • Supervise dogs when walking in areas frequented by waterfowl or seabirds.
  • Avoid contact with bird droppings, feathers or carcasses.
  • If you find a sick or dead wild bird, do not handle it yourself.
  • Report sick or dead wild birds to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888, available 24/7.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after any unavoidable contact with wildlife or bird-contaminated environments.

Signs and Symptoms in Birds

Bird owners should be alert for the following signs:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nasal or eye discharge
  • Vomiting, regurgitation or nausea
  • Neurological signs, including head tilt, tremors, seizures or incoordination
  • Severe lethargy
  • Sudden death within a flock

If multiple birds become sick or die unexpectedly, this should be reported immediately via the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Veterinary Preventative Measures

To reduce the risk of introducing HPAI into veterinary hospitals, enhanced biosecurity protocols may include:

  • Pre-appointment avian screening questions
  • Enhanced triage procedures
  • Dedicated assessment pathways for higher-risk birds
  • Enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols
  • Additional PPE requirements for some avian presentations
  • Ongoing monitoring of government advice

Final Reminder

Good biosecurity is the best protection. Keep birds away from wild birds, maintain clean equipment and housing, practise good hand hygiene, and report unusual sickness or deaths promptly.

Information adapted from Unusual Pet Vets’ “HPAI (Bird Flu) Practical Advice for Bird Owners”.