Signs of bird flu

H5 bird flu has been detected in a range of bird species overseas. It has also been detected in marine and land mammals. In rare cases overseas, it has been detected in cats and dogs.

Birds

Signs of bird flu in birds can include:

• sudden death
• lethargy or reluctance to walk, eat or drink
• droopy appearance or ruffled feathers
• head or limb swelling
• bruising of the wattle, comb, feet or skin
• respiratory signs such as panting, nasal discharge or sneezing
• diarrhoea
• unusual head or neck posture, incoordination, inability to walk or stand
• unusual reduction in egg production.

Cats and dogs

Signs of bird flu in cats and dogs can 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.

Signs in animals other than birds may be subtle or mistaken for other illnesses.

Bird flu in cats and dogs usually occurs when they have been exposed to sick or dead birds, other infected animals, or have consumed raw pet food or unpasteurised (raw) milk.

Protect yourself

If you handle sick or dead birds or other animals, take steps to protect yourself and your staff.

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

Prepare your clinic

Now is the time to ensure you are prepared for H5 bird flu. Make sure you:

• know the signs
• follow your state or territory’s guidelines
• use appropriate infection control measures
• prepare protocols for your staff and facility
• have sufficient PPE available.

Resources

Download our guidelines for vets:

• National H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza guidelines for veterinarians (PDF 1.3 MB)
• National H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza guidelines for veterinarians (DOCX 5.6 MB)

Advice on how to prepare for bird flu:

• Guidelines for Veterinary Personal Biosecurity (Australian Veterinary Association)
• HPAI Advice for veterinarians and animal health professionals (Wildlife Health Australia)
• CDNA national guidelines for avian influenza – protecting people who work with birds and wildlife (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing)
• Bird flu toolkit for people who work with birds (Australian Centre for Disease Control)
• Avian Influenza - Information for Private Veterinarians (NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development)

Print and display our bird flu posters.