31/08/2026
H5 Bird Flu update ๐ฆ
๐ฆ
Weโve just reviewed PIRSAโs latest briefing and wanted to share clear, practical advice for our clients๐
The situation (as of late August 2026)
H5 bird flu is now in wild birds in several Australian states, including South Australia. There have also been a small number of mammal detections in SA (including a long-nosed fur seals and red foxes).
There are still no confirmed H5 detections in poultry or other livestock anywhere in Australia. Poultry meat and eggs remain safe to eat (recommended that they are thoroughly cooked before consumption)
๐This strain has been circulating overseas for years (since 2020) Australia has been monitoring and preparing for its arrival.
It cannot be confirmed by looking at an animal โ testing is required. It is mainly associated with waterbirds, gulls and scavenging species and is spread through secretions and droppings. It has been found in hundreds of species worldwide.
โผ๏ธRisk to people is low โผ๏ธ
Bird flu does not spread easily from birds to people, and person-to-person spread is very rare. Walking past a sick or dead bird does not put you at risk. Infection in people generally requires close, direct contact with infected birds or their waste.
If you find a sick or dead bird or other wildlife: Avoid. Record. Report.
1. โ๐ผDo not touch it. Keep people and pets away.
2. ๐Record the location and take a photo or video from a safe distance.
3. ๐Report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888
๏ฟฝMore information: birdflu.sa.gov.au๏ฟฝPractical guides: rspcasabirdflu.org
๐จPlease do not bring sick or dead wildlife, birds, or โfoundโ animals to the clinic.
Call us first. Call the hotline first. Unannounced drop-offs put staff, other patients and your own pets at unnecessary risk and can delay the proper biosecurity response.
๐ก Protecting your pets:
โข Keep dogs on a lead near beaches, wetlands, waterways and bird habitats. Steer them away from birds, carcasses, droppings and feathers.
โข Keep cats indoors or in a secure enclosure so they cannot hunt or eat wildlife. Make indoors rewarding (climbing, hiding spots, window views, play).
โข Bring outdoor pet food and water bowls inside.
โข Keep backyard poultry and pet birds in covered, secure housing.
โข If your pet has had contact with sick or dead wildlife, monitor them. Phone your vet before coming in and tell us about the exposure.
๐ชฑKeeping pets fit and parasite-free (including regular worming) is still good medicine. A healthy animal is better placed if they ever encounter other disease pressures.
๐About the proposed vaccination
There is a national emergency permit for an H5 vaccine in some captive, managed, conservation or zoo birds. It does not cover commercial poultry or pet birds. It is not a routine vaccine for dogs, cats or household birds and Australiaโs unique wildlife means any wider use is still being worked through by government.
H5 bird flu is something Australia will need to manage over time. The most useful things the public can do right now are simple: keep pets away from wildlife, donโt handle sick or dead animals, report them and phone ahead.
Please see photo information in comments ๐
PIRSA webinar recording: https://youtu.be/B1SGs0UO5rw
Official SA information: https://www.birdflu.sa.gov.au/
Early detection is critical and South Australians are encouraged to remain vigilant. If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them. Avoid contact. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
