A veterinarian who specializes in infectious diseases in cats has shared practical advice to help keep pets safe from the H5 bird flu outbreak. While Australia has not reported any cases of H5 bird flu in pets, the risk to cats and dogs is still low. However, the virus can infect pets, especially cats, and may cause severe illness. Pets can catch bird flu in several ways: by coming into direct contact with infected wildlife, being in areas where infected animals have been, eating or drinking contaminated animal products, or even bringing the virus home on clothing, shoes, or equipment. Outbreaks of H5 bird flu in countries like Poland, South Korea, and Belgium have shown that infected cats can become very ill quickly and may die within days of exposure. Dogs can also get infected, but they tend to show fewer or milder symptoms compared to cats. At present, there are no vaccines available for pets to protect against H5 bird flu, and there is limited information on whether antiviral drugs used in humans could be safely used for animals. The best way to protect pets is through prevention. Early signs of H5 bird flu in pets can be similar to other common illnesses. Pets may appear unwell, have a fever, become less active, and lose their appetite. They might also cough, have trouble breathing, or have eye or nose discharge. In cats, the disease can progress rapidly, leading to neurological symptoms like shaking, seizures, or sudden blindness. If a pet shows any of these symptoms, owners should contact their veterinarian before visiting the clinic and let them know if the pet has had recent contact with wild birds, wildlife, or raw animal products. This helps the vet assess the risk and take appropriate precautions. If bird flu is suspected, the vet may perform an initial assessment outside the clinic and take extra steps to prevent the spread of the virus. Samples, such as swabs from the nose or throat, may be sent to a government laboratory for testing, as veterinary clinics do not have the tools to test for H5 bird flu on-site. To keep pets safe, owners can take a few simple steps: keep dogs on a leash and cats indoors to avoid wildlife, bring food and water bowls inside and cover outdoor cat enclosures to avoid contaminated areas, avoid raw animal products that may carry the virus, and practice good hygiene, especially if they work with birds or poultry. Owners should also report any sick or dead wildlife they see to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888. Checking the Australian government’s bird flu website and detection map regularly can help owners stay informed about the latest outbreaks.