Bird Flu is in South Australia.

Here’s how you can reduce the spread of H5N1 Avian Influenza (Bird Flu).

Advice For Pet Owners

Found a sick or dead bird? Here’s what to do:

A person holding a dog on a leash standing near a bird, with the bird and dog separated by a dotted line indicating social distancing.
A person holding a dog on a leash standing near a bird, with the bird and dog separated by a dotted line indicating social distancing.
Line drawing of a bird lying next to a smartphone with a camera icon on the screen, a location pin icon above the phone, all in blue outline.

Avoid

Do not touch the bird. Leave it where it is and make sure you keep pets away.

Record

Note the location of the bird and take a photo or video from a safe distance.

Blue phone icon with an exclamation mark inside a circle, indicating a warning or error with calls.

Report

Call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on
1800 785 888.


The hotline will advise you on next steps.
Do not dispose of the bird,
unless you are advised to.

How to spot Bird Flu

Advice & Information

To help reduce the spread of Bird Flu in South Australia, we’ve put together practical advice for pet owners. These simple guides can help protect our wild bird populations while also keeping pets safe from possible exposure.

A person in a gray long-sleeve shirt pets a tabby cat with closed eyes, close to the camera in a cozy indoor setting.
Close-up of a person holding a tan dog with closed eyes and its head resting on the person's shoulder, against a blurred brick wall background.
Dog Owners
Cat Owners
Close-up of a black and white speckled chicken with a bright red comb and wattles, held gently by a person with a blurred green background and some yellow flowers in the foreground.
Backyard Bird Owners
A dead bird lying on the sandy shore with a blurred sunset in the background.

What is Bird Flu?

H5N1 Avian Influenza, commonly known as Bird Flu, is a serious and highly contagious virus that mainly affects birds. It can cause severe illness and death in wild birds, poultry and pet birds, and can also infect some mammals.

Bird Flu has now been confirmed in wild birds in South Australia. While the risk to people remains low, the virus can spread quickly among birds and may lead to significant wildlife deaths.

The situation is changing rapidly, so it is important to follow the latest official government advice.

For now, RSPCA South Australia is asking everyone to remain vigilant, report sick or dead birds and take simple steps to protect their pets. By working together, we can help reduce the spread and protect South Australia’s wildlife and animals.

Stay informed.
Help protect animals.

Sign up to our Changemakers emails for the latest animal welfare updates and to see how RSPCA South Australia is working to protect animals across our state.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

SIGN UP