21/08/2026
H5N1 Bird flu update - caution for cat owners
You may have heard about the recent detections of H5 bird flu (H5N1 avian influenza) in Australia, including in Victoria.
There’s no need to panic, but it is something worth being aware of — particularly if you have an outdoor cat that likes to hunt birds.
H5 bird flu primarily affects birds, however cats can become seriously ill if they eat or come into contact with infected birds or other animals. For this reason, keeping cats safely indoors or contained is an important precaution at the moment, especially in areas where wild birds are present.
Signs of H5 bird flu in cats can include:
• Loss of appetite or refusing food
• Lethargy or unusual tiredness
• Difficulty breathing or coughing
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Red or inflamed eyes
• Unusual neurological signs, such as wobbliness, tremors, seizures or difficulty walking
These signs can occur with a number of illnesses and don't necessarily mean your cat has bird flu. However, if your cat is displaying these symptoms and has recently hunted, eaten or had close contact with a sick or dead wild bird, please call us immediately.
A few simple things we can all do:
- Keep cats indoors or contained, particularly cats known to hunt birds
- Don't let pets approach or eat sick or dead birds.
- Don't touch sick or dead wildlife yourself.
- If you see sick or dead wild birds, take note of the location and report them to the emergency animal disease hotline. You may call the hotline at 1800 675 888, or complete their online form on their website.
This isn't about being alarmed — it's simply about taking a few sensible precautions to reduce the risk of exposure for your cat.
For the latest Victorian advice and reporting information, please check Agriculture Victoria's H5 bird flu updates rather than relying on social media posts or rumours.
Stay safe, keep an eye on our feathered friends, and give those outdoor kitties a little extra supervision for now. 🐾
