25/08/2026
🐦 BIRD FLU (H5 AVIAN INFLUENZA) IN TASMANIA
Bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects birds, but some strains can also infect other animals, including mammals.
The risk to the general public remains low, but extra precautions are recommended when pets may come into contact with sick or dead birds.
Due to the current avian influenza (bird flu) situation in Tasmania, we are taking additional precautions to protect our patients, staff and the wider community.
During the current outbreak, Southern Beaches Vet will not be seeing wildlife cases, including sick or injured wild birds. This is to minimise the potential introduction or spread of avian influenza within our clinic.
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🛑 IMPORTANT
Please do not handle sick or dead birds unless you have been specifically instructed to do so.
DO:
• Keep yourself and your pets away from the bird.
• Keep dogs on a lead and prevent cats from approaching.
• Report suspected bird flu through the appropriate Tasmanian biosecurity channels.
• Follow instructions provided by Biosecurity Tasmania.
DON’T:
• Touch the bird with bare hands.
• Take the bird home.
• Allow children or pets to approach it.
• Feed or move sick birds
If you are concerned about a sick or dead bird, contact:
Emergency Animal Disease Hotline
1800 675 888
Biosecurity Tasmania
1300 368 550
For the latest Tasmanian bird flu information, visit:
NRE Tasmania — Bird Flu information
Tasmanian Biosecurity Advisories
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🐤 What about pet birds?
We will continue to provide veterinary care for domestic/pet birds where appropriate, however, our usual appointment protocol will temporarily change.
If your pet bird requires a health check or veterinary assessment:
• Please contact us before bringing your bird to the clinic.
• We will ask some questions about your bird’s health, housing and any potential contact with wild birds.
• We may arrange a specific appointment time and/or separate entry procedure.
• Additional infection-control measures may be required.
• Please do not bring your bird into the waiting room unless specifically instructed by our team.
These precautions are temporary and may change as the Tasmanian bird flu situation develops.
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More information about Bird flu!
🐶🐱 Can my dog or cat catch bird flu?
Yes, infection of mammals is possible, although it is uncommon.
The greatest concern is for pets that:
• Catch or kill wild birds
• Eat sick or dead birds
• Chew on bird carcasses
• Come into contact with bird faeces or bodily fluids
• Spend time in areas where there are large numbers of sick or dead birds
Do not allow your pet to investigate, play with or eat sick or dead birds.
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⚠️ What signs should I look for in my pet?
If your pet has potentially been exposed to a sick or dead bird, monitor them closely for signs including:
Dogs & cats
• Lethargy or unusual behaviour
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Coughing or difficulty breathing
• Sneezing or nasal discharge
• Drooling
• Tremors or unusual movements
• Poor coordination, stumbling or difficulty walking
• Seizures
• Other sudden or unexplained neurological signs
These signs do not necessarily mean your pet has bird flu and can occur with many other illnesses.
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🏠 How can I reduce the risk to my pet?
For dogs
• Keep dogs away from sick or dead birds.
• Keep your dog on a lead where bird activity or mortality is high.
• Discourage scavenging.
• Don’t allow your dog to eat wild birds or carcasses.
For cats
• Consider keeping cats indoors, particularly if they regularly hunt birds.
• Prevent access to areas where sick or dead birds have been reported.
• Do not allow cats to eat wild birds.
For all pets
• Wash your hands after handling pets that may have contacted birds.
• Clean contaminated footwear or equipment where appropriate.
• Avoid bringing potentially contaminated bird material into your home.
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🩺 What if my pet has been exposed?
Don’t panic.
Most pets exposed to birds will not necessarily become infected.
If your pet has:
✔️ Eaten a sick/dead bird
✔️ Caught a sick/dead bird
✔️ Had significant contact with a bird suspected of having bird flu
✔️ Developed concerning signs after bird exposure
Contact your veterinary clinic before bringing your pet into the clinic.
Tell the veterinary team:
• What type of bird your pet contacted
• Whether the bird was alive, sick or dead
• Whether your pet ate any part of the bird
• When the exposure occurred
• Whether your pet is showing any signs of illness
This allows the veterinary team to provide appropriate advice and make arrangements to minimise any potential infection risk.
