Friends of the Wingecarribee Animal Shelter

27/08/2026

Wingecarribee Animal Shelter Highland FM 107.1 Radio 2ST Southern Highlands Community

18/08/2026

03/07/2026

⚠️ Important Information: Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) & Protecting Your Pets

With recent detections of H5 avian influenza (bird flu) in Australia, we want to remind our community of the importance of protecting both our domestic animals and native wildlife.

While the risk to the general public remains low, avian influenza is a highly contagious disease of birds and strict biosecurity measures are essential to help prevent its spread.

🦜 For our pet birds or backyard poultry owners:

We strongly recommend:
• Keeping pet birds indoors wherever possible.
• If birds are housed outdoors, minimise contact with wild birds by ensuring aviaries and enclosures are fully enclosed or fitted with a solid roof or cover to prevent wild birds from entering or contaminating food and water.
• Feed and water birds in sheltered areas where wild birds cannot access.
• Avoid introducing new birds.
• Monitor your birds closely for any signs of illness and contact your veterinarian if you have concerns.

🐱 Cat owners:

Cats are at a higher risk of infection than dogs because of their natural hunting behaviour. Outdoor cats may be exposed if they hunt or scavenge infected wild birds.

For their safety, we strongly recommend keeping cats indoors or restricting their outdoor access.

In cats, the infection can be quite severe and spreads very quickly to other cats in the household.

🐶 Dog owners:

Keep dogs on a lead in areas where wild birds are present and prevent them from investigating, catching or eating sick or dead birds.

🐦 If you find a sick or injured wild bird, Please do not bring the bird directly to the clinic.

Avian influenza is a notifiable emergency animal disease, and veterinary clinics must follow strict biosecurity protocols. Unfortunately, this means there will be limitations on our ability to admit and treat wild birds that may be carrying the virus.

If you find a sick or dead wild bird:
• Avoid handling it.
• Keep children and pets away.
• Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888) or contact your local wildlife rescue organisation for advice before attempting any intervention.

❤️ Why these measures matter:

We understand how difficult it can be to walk past an injured wild animal without wanting to help. Personally we are devastated by the limitations being placed on us to help our wild birds.

However, preventing the spread of avian influenza is critical to protecting Australia’s wildlife, our companion animals, livestock and the wider community.

Our team will continue to follow the latest advice from government animal health authorities, and our recommendations may change as the situation evolves.

Please call the clinic if you have any concerns about your pets. There are some very informative resources in the wider community, including from the AVA above that we recommend.