Bird flu and your pets in Perth: what to do at the beach, at home, and if you find a sick bird

Last updated: August 2026. Written by the team at Ascot Veterinary Hospital, Perth.

Bird flu (H5N1) has been detected in wild seabirds in Western Australia, and we have had a steady run of calls from clients asking the same thing: does this change how I look after my pet? The risk to people and pets in Perth remains low but it is expected that the virus will be detected in our wildlife in the near future.  There is no reason to stop walking your dog or enjoying the beach but there are a few adjustments worth making, and one of them matters more than the others. This is what we are telling our own clients.

The current situation in Western Australia

H5N1 was first detected in Western Australia in June 2026, in migratory seabirds. Since then, a small number of additional wild seabirds have tested positive, including birds found along parts of the WA coastline north of Perth. Authorities expect more cases to be identified as surveillance continues.

Where things stand today:

• The virus has been detected in wild birds only in WA.
• There have been no confirmed infections in commercial poultry or backyard chickens in Western Australia.
• The risk to people remains low.
• Overseas, H5N1 has infected a range of mammals including domestic cats, seals and dolphins, which is the reason pet owners are being asked to take sensible precautions.

The greatest concern at this stage is for wild birds and wildlife, not for household pets.

The main points to know

Your beach and river walks can continue for now

For most Perth dog owners, your daily walk on our beaches, rivers, wetlands and lakes can continue for now. What we would suggest is a handful of important adjustments in places where wild birds gather:

1. Keep your dog on a lead in any area where sick or dead birds have been reported.
2. Prevent your dog from sniffing, licking or carrying a dead bird.
3. Discourage chasing of waterbirds and seabirds.
4. Avoid letting your dog drink from stagnant water where large numbers of birds congregate.
5. Rinse your dog’s paws if they have walked through an area contaminated with bird droppings.

Infections in dogs appear to be uncommon. Preventing exposure in the first place is simply the easiest approach.

Cats need a little more care than dogs

This is the part that surprises most people. Around the world, domestic and wild cats have proven to be one of the mammal species most susceptible to H5N1 infection, and it almost always follows the same pattern: the cat hunts or scavenges an infected bird.

If your cat spends time outdoors, we would suggest keeping them indoors where that is practical, preventing hunting where it is not and keep them away from any sick or dead bird. Try to encourage your cat to accept commercial pet food as well as raw meat, in case a permanent change becomes necessary. Avoid all raw wild bird meat. Indoor cats have an extremely low risk of exposure.

If your pet bird is unwell, phone before you come in

Bird flu is a notifiable disease, which means veterinary clinics may need to give you specific instructions about where to take your bird, so we can protect other patients and staff in the building. Please call us first rather than arriving at reception with an unwell bird.

For owners of parrots, budgies, cockatiels and backyard chickens, good biosecurity does the rest: keep aviaries secure so wild birds cannot get in, prevent contact with wild birds and their droppings, avoid placing food or water where wild birds can reach it, clean food and water containers regularly, and wash your hands before and after handling your birds. If you keep backyard chickens, minimise contact between your flock and wild waterbirds.

What to do if you find a sick or injured wild bird

Western Australia has an excellent network of wildlife carers and rescue organisations, and they are continuing to help injured and orphaned native wildlife through this outbreak, with additional biosecurity procedures in place for birds.

If you come across a sick or injured wild animal, do not handle sick or dead birds unless you have been specifically instructed to. Keep children and pets away from the animal, note the exact location if you can, and phone first so the organisation can advise the safest course of action. If bird flu is suspected, you may be asked to report the bird to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 rather than transporting it yourself.

Wildlife contacts for Perth:

Signs a bird may be infected with H5N1 include an inability to fly, walking in circles or poor coordination, tremors, a twisted neck, breathing difficulty, swollen eyes or head, and sudden death.

These groups are largely run by volunteers and funded by community donations, and bird flu has increased their workload considerably. Both WA Wildlife and Western Australian Seabird Rescue accept donations through their websites, which go toward veterinary treatment, food and medications, protective equipment, rehabilitation enclosures and emergency response resources.

Frequently asked questions

Is bird flu in Western Australia?

Yes. H5N1 was detected in migratory seabirds in WA in June 2026, and a small number of additional wild seabirds have tested positive since. There have been no confirmed cases in commercial poultry or backyard chickens in WA, and the risk to the public remains low.

Can I still walk my dog on the beach in Perth?

Yes. At the current time there is no need to avoid beaches, parks or wetlands. This could change as the situation evolves.  Keep your dog on a lead where sick or dead birds have been reported, stop them investigating any dead bird, and avoid stagnant water where large numbers of birds gather.

Can dogs catch bird flu?

Infections in dogs appear to be uncommon. The safest approach is preventing exposure. If your dog has had close contact with a sick or dead bird and later develops fever, lethargy, coughing, difficulty breathing or neurological signs, contact your vet promptly.

Can cats catch bird flu?

Yes. Domestic and wild cats are among the mammal species most susceptible to H5N1, usually after hunting or scavenging an infected bird. Indoor cats have an extremely low risk. If your cat has been outside and develops sudden lethargy, loss of appetite, breathing difficulty or neurological signs after possible contact with birds, arrange a veterinary assessment promptly.

Should I keep my cat indoors because of bird flu?

Keeping cats indoors is the most effective single precaution, where that is practical for your household. If it is not, focus on preventing hunting and keeping your cat away from sick or dead birds.

What should I do if I find a dead bird?

Do not handle it. Keep children and pets away, note the exact location, and phone the Wildcare Helpline on (08) 9474 9055 or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 for advice.

Are backyard chickens at risk in WA?

There have been no confirmed infections in backyard chickens or commercial poultry in Western Australia but this could change. Keep your flock separated from wild waterbirds, secure their feed and water from wild birds, and phone your vet before bringing an unwell bird into the clinic. You should stay alert for any mandatory housing orders.

Can I catch bird flu from my pet?

The risk to people remains low. The sensible precautions are the same ones that protect your pets: avoid handling sick or dead wild birds, and wash your hands after handling animals.

When to get in touch with us

Please contact Ascot Veterinary Hospital if:

• Your dog or cat has had direct contact with a sick or dead bird
• Your pet develops fever, lethargy, breathing problems or neurological signs after possible bird exposure
• Your pet bird becomes suddenly unwell (please phone before coming in)
• You are not sure whether your pet may have been exposed

Early assessment helps us work out whether any further testing or precautions are needed, and in most cases it is a short conversation that puts your mind at rest.

For Perth pet owners, the risk remains low and there is no need to change how you live with your pets. Avoid contact with sick or dead wild birds, keep dogs away from bird carcasses, keep cats from hunting, and keep pet birds separated from wild ones. That is genuinely the whole of it. If anything at all is worrying you, call us on (08) 9277 7488 and we will talk it through.