Lort Smith Animal Hospital is urging those with pets in the family to remain calm after a deadly strain of bird flu, known as H5 bird flu, has arrived on the Australian mainland.

So far two seabirds found in an isolated area in southern Western Australia have returned positive results for H5 avian influenza (bird flu). However, it is important to understand that migratory seabirds and waterfowl are the natural hosts of this infection, and this does not indicate new affected species.

While bird flu infections in dogs and cats are rare, pet owners can take steps to ensure their pets are protected.

Pet owners should keep their animals on a leash in wildlife areas and to avoid leaving pet food or water near where wild birds or other animals can access it.

Cat owners are also urged to keep their felines indoors where possible.  

Cats are natural hunters and can bring disease and infection to your doorstep by catching and killing birds.

They are also at higher risk of picking up infection as they roam, even if they do not bring carcasses home, especially if you live near bushland, waterways, or near the ocean.

Bird flu in cats is a rare but highly severe and often fatal illness.

If your cat shows severe respiratory symptoms (especially after exposure to raw diets, farm environments, or sick birds), it is a medical emergency even if it is not related to the current outbreak.

Members of the public are urged to avoid contact with any dead or sick birds or animals showing signs of bird flu. Report sightings to the emergency animal disease hotline 1800 675 888 or birdflu.gov.au.