As a veterinarian who studies infectious diseases in cats, I’ve been repeatedly asked whether Australia’s outbreak of the H5 bird flu poses a risk to pets. The short answer is yes.

As this lethal virus continues to infect more mammals, poultry farmers and backyard chook owners remain on high alert. But outbreaks overseas suggest pets – particularly cats – can also contract H5 bird flu and develop severe disease.

To date, Australia has not recorded any cases of the deadly H5 bird flu in pets and the risk to most cats and dogs remains very low. But if infection does happen, the consequences can be serious.

As a nation of pet owners – with 7.7 million Australian households sharing their homes with a pet – we must understand how cats and dogs may become infected, what signs to watch for and which practical measures can reduce exposure to H5 bird flu.

Cats and dogs can catch bird flu in four main ways:

direct contact with infected wildlife

direct contact with infected wildlife

being in places where infected wildlife have been

being in places where infected wildlife have been

eating or drinking infected animal products

eating or drinking infected animal products

coming into contact with the virus at home, including via clothing, shoes or equipment.

coming into contact with the virus at home, including via clothing, shoes or equipment.

H5 bird flu outbreaks abroad – including in Poland, South Korea and Belgium – suggest infected cats can........

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