Protecting our wildlife, our pets and our community

You may have heard about H5N1 avian influenza, commonly referred to by Australian authorities as H5 bird flu.

While this is not something most of our clients will encounter directly, it’s an important issue for anyone who lives alongside or regularly encounters Australia’s wild birds.

H5 bird flu is a highly contagious form of avian influenza that primarily affects birds, but it can also infect some mammals. Overseas, it has caused significant illness and deaths in wild birds, poultry and some mammals.

Australia confirmed its first detections of H5 bird flu in wild migratory birds in June 2026.

For Australia, protecting our unique wildlife from this disease is particularly important. Many Australian native species are found nowhere else in the world, and the potential long-term effects of H5 bird flu on wildlife populations are still difficult to predict.

What should you do if you find a sick or dead wild bird?

The most important message is:

AVOID – RECORD – REPORT

If you come across a sick or dead bird:

AVOID direct contact.

Do not touch, pick up or move sick or dead birds, feathers, eggs or potentially contaminated material. Keep children and pets away – dogs should not be allowed to investigate or eat dead wildlife, and cats are best kept indoors.

If an injured bird appears to need help, call a veterinarian or wildlife rescue organisation before approaching or handling it. They can assess the situation and tell you what to do next. If you do handle a bird, ensure that you wear PPE (a mask and gloves) to protect yourself.

RECORD what you see.

Make a note of the location, the type of bird, how many birds are affected and what you observed. If possible, take photos from a safe distance.

REPORT your concerns.

H5 bird flu is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect that a bird or other animal may be infected, it is important to report it so that authorities can assess the situation and determine whether investigation or testing is required.

24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline: 1800 675 888

Early reporting helps Australian animal health authorities detect H5 bird flu quickly, monitor wildlife health and respond appropriately.

What about your pets?

H5 bird flu mainly affects birds, but cats and dogs can occasionally become infected after coming into contact with or eating infected wildlife.

To help protect your pets:

• Keep dogs under control in areas where wild birds gather.

• Don’t allow pets to touch or eat sick or dead birds or other wildlife.

• Keep cats indoors or contained wherever possible.

If your pet has had contact with a sick or dead bird, call us for advice – particularly if they subsequently become unwell. Please let our team know about the contact before bringing your pet into the clinic so we can advise you on the safest next steps.

Our approach at My Family Vet

Although My Family Vet does not routinely see bird patients, we take the current H5 bird flu situation seriously.

As part of our clinic biosecurity precautions, we ask that clients always call us before bringing a sick or injured bird into the clinic. This allows our veterinary team to assess the situation and provide appropriate advice before the bird enters the practice.

We are taking all recommended precautions, including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection-control measures.

As veterinarians, we have a duty of care not only to the patients we treat and the people who work in our clinic, but also to the wider community and to Australia’s wildlife. We want to do everything we can to assist wildlife appropriately and to support the national response if H5 bird flu becomes a larger animal or public health concern.

Please help us protect our wildlife

If you find a sick or injured bird that requires veterinary attention, please call the My Family Vet clinic on (07) 3518 4418 before coming to the clinic.

Keep your distance → Keep your pets away → Record what you see → Report it

Your report may help protect Australia’s wildlife, domestic animals, agricultural industries and the wider community.

Together, we can help protect our pets, our people and Australia’s unique wildlife.