Keep dogs leashed as bird flu spreads, wildlife experts urge
As deadly H5 bird flu spreads among wild birds in Australia, the Biodiversity Council is urging dog owners to keep their pets leashed around beaches, lakes and rivers to protect wildlife, their dogs and their families.
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Acknowledgements
The Biodiversity Council acknowledges the First Peoples of the lands and waters of Australia, and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and future and expresses gratitude for long and ongoing custodianship of Country.
The Biodiversity Council is an independent expert group founded by 11 Australian universities to promote evidence-based solutions to Australia’s biodiversity crisis. It receives funding from 11 university partners and The Ian Potter Foundation, The Ross Trust, Trawalla Foundation, The Rendere Trust, Isaacson Davis Foundation, Coniston Charitable Trust and Angela Whitbread.
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Keep dogs leashed as bird flu spreads, wildlife experts urge
10 August 2026
As deadly H5 bird flu spreads among wild birds in Australia, the Biodiversity Council is urging dog owners to keep their pets leashed around beaches, lakes and rivers to protect wildlife, their dogs and their families.
As bird flu kills Australian wildlife, experts ask Minister to back resilience claims with evidence
3 August 2026
The Biodiversity Council is asking Environment Minister Murray Watt to publicly substantiate his claim that Australia's most vulnerable birds and mammals have been strengthened through two to three years of government investment.
How to choose sustainable seafood and support healthier oceans
29 July 2026
Australians love seafood, but the boom in demand is putting pressure on marine populations and the environment. Making sustainable choices is becoming increasingly important.
Western Australia’s southwest peatlands: ancient wetlands, extraordinary wildlife and the science helping to protect them
24 July 2026
Peatlands are remarkable ecosystems that accumulate carbon, retain and filter water and support unique biodiversity. But they are under increasing threat of extinction and need protection.
Watch our webinar: H5N1 Bird Flu and Australian Wildlife
14 July 2026
Experts unpack the potential impacts of bird flu on at-risk species and ecosystems, and identify urgent actions needed today to improve Australia's response.
Experts back urgent five-point plan for H5N1 bird flu
7 July 2026
The Biodiversity Council says much more needs to be done now to help protect wildlife, ecosystems, people and the economy from the deadly threat of H5N1 avian flu on the Australian mainland.
Australia needs a green-city revolution: how it would benefit biodiversity and people
3 June 2026
With better management and planning, new and existing urban areas could play an important role in helping to save threatened species - and would have positive flow on effects for human health and wellbeing, and local economies.
Scientists and young people send joint letter to PM about intergenerational failure of the budget on nature
2 June 2026
Deep frustration with the budget has led more than 400 scientists, young people, Indigenous leaders, and conservation experts to write collectively to the Prime Minister and Treasurer, pleading for adequate funding to stop rapid nature loss.