Australia is home to unique wildlife and beloved pets, but they don't mix well!
Interactions between our pets and native animals can lead to harm on both sides. And now that H5 avian influenza (bird flu) has reached Australia, it's more important than ever to prevent these encounters.
H5 bird flu has spread quickly overseas in animals, causing major impacts on poultry, wild birds and even mammals like seals, cats and dolphins.
We can all take simple steps to help keep pets, people and our native species safe.
Here are 5 easy ways you can help:
1. Keep dogs on leash in wildlife areas
Our native species can be sensitive and easily disturbed. Leashing dogs reduces stress on wildlife and lowers the risk of disease spread.
2. Prevent contact between pets and wildlife
Don't leave pet food or water where wild birds and animals can access it. This reduces unnecessary interactions.
3. Keep cats indoors or in secure enclosures
Cats are natural hunters and can carry and spread diseases. Containing them also helps protect native animals, including birds and small mammals. This also helps to keep cats safe.
4. Wash your hands
Always wash your hands well with soap and water before and after handling birds and other animals to protect yourself and reduce the chance of spreading germs.
5. Avoid, record, report
If you see a group of sick or dead wildlife:
- AVOID contact and keep your distance
- RECORD the date, time and location and take photos or videos if safe to do so
- REPORT it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888.
If the birds are on public land, leave them where they are. If you can't avoid touching or moving dead birds or other animals, follow good health and safety practices. While current risk of bird flu to people in Australia is low, these steps help to minimise any risk of transmission. Check your local government or state or territory government website for further guidance about disposing of dead animals.
By taking these simple actions, we can give our pets and native species the best chance of staying healthy and help reduce the impacts of H5 bird flu.
