Post by RSPCA Victoria

You may have seen the news that H5 Avian Influenza, or H5 bird flu, has hit Australian shores. This strain of bird flu is highly contagious, having already caused the deaths of millions of birds and mammals overseas. This is very concerning for our wildlife and poultry. While the virus has not yet been detected in Victoria, here’s what you can do to help protect your pets: If you own birds or poultry: - familiarise yourself with the signs and symptoms of bird flu - keep feed and water in an area that wild birds can’t access - keep coops, aviaries and equipment clean - avoid contact between your birds and wild birds - quarantine new birds Protect other pets by keeping: - dogs, cats, and other companion animals away from wildlife - dogs on leash, particularly near bodies of water - cats contained to your property Remember, if you see unwell or deceased birds: • AVOID contact, • RECORD what you see, and • REPORT anything unusual to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 Learn more about avian influenza and how you can help: https://bit.ly/4nlacBL