Signs of bird flu in cats and dogs

Signs may include:

• fever
• lethargy
• decreased appetite
• reddened or inflamed eyes
• discharge from eyes and nose
• coughing or sneezing
• difficulty breathing
• neurological signs, like tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness
• death.

Protect your pets

To help protect your pets from bird flu:

• keep wild birds away from pet food and water
• don’t let pets eat or touch sick or dead animals
• keep dogs on a leash, especially in wildlife areas
• keep cats indoors and prevent them from roaming
• if you have had direct contact with sick or dead birds, shower and change clothes before touching your pets.

Protect yourself

If you encounter sick or dead birds or other animals:

• Avoid direct contact if possible.
• Wash hands thoroughly after any contact.
• Clean and disinfect clothing, footwear and equipment.
• Keep children and pets away.

See more on bird flu and human health (Australian Centre for Disease Control).