Bird flu strain H5N1 has been confirmed in four cases across Australia, primarily in South Australia and Western Australia, prompting health authorities to warn pet owners about potential fatal risks to cats and dogs. The highly contagious virus has devastated wildlife populations in the northern hemisphere, killing millions of birds and tens of thousands of sea mammals, with the UK losing 30 percent of breeding seabirds in one year. Experts warn the virus could spread across the entire Australian continent within six to twelve months and advise against touching dead birds, particularly seabirds, and recommend keeping pets on leash at beaches and cats contained at home.

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