Bird Flu - Keep Yourself and Your Birds Safe
, 2 min reading time
Bird flu is a serious virus that affects birds and other species. Read on to learn what bird flu is, how it spreads, what signs to look for and how to keep your pets safe.
What is bird flu?
Also known as avian influenza, bird flu is a highly contagious viral infection that mainly affects birds. The virus occurs in different strains, with H5 being the main strain of concern. H5 can cause severe and often fatal illness, and can spread quickly from one animal to another. Although bird flu predominantly circulates among bird populations, it can also infect other species.
How does bird flu spread?
Bird flu can spread through an infected animal’s poo, feathers or bodily fluids, or through close contact with an affected animal. The virus can also be transferred through contaminated environments or objects, such as food, water, clothing and equipment.
What animals can get bird flu?
Birds of all species can contract bird flu. Infection is more common in waterbirds, but other bird species, including domestic pet birds, can also become infected.
Bird flu can also spread to mammals, particularly marine mammals such as seals that share a habitat with birds, and scavenging species such as cats, foxes and quolls.
Bird flu does not affect fish, reptiles or amphibians.
Can people get bird flu?
Although rare, humans can contract bird flu. Cases in people are more common among individuals who work with or have close contact with wildlife. To help prevent infection, it’s important to take precautions around infected or dead wildlife and contaminated environments. Do not touch sick or dead birds; instead, call your local authority if you encounter one.
Good hygiene is also vital to help prevent transmission, as the virus can be spread on clothing, footwear and equipment.
What are the signs of bird flu?
Signs of bird flu can vary widely between cases. Symptoms can include seizures, sudden death, weakness and difficulty breathing.
If you suspect your pet has been exposed to bird flu or is showing signs of illness after contact with wild birds or wildlife, contact your veterinarian for advice.
How to Keep My Pets Safe
- Keep pets away from wildlife and birds, including sick or dead animals.
- Keep your pet’s food and water protected from wild birds.
- If you have encountered a sick or dead bird, shower and change clothes immediately after contact
- Keep pets indoors where possible, and keep dogs on a lead when around wild birds.
- Keep outdoor birds in a secure enclosure to isolate them from wild birds.
