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Feeding wild birds can spread bird flu: Experts have four ways to reduce the risk

Many Australians feed wild birds, but as H5 bird flu spreads, the Biodiversity Council warns that backyard bird feeders can create hotspots for disease transmission. Here are four ways you can reduce your risk.
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The Biodiversity Council is a registered Australian not-for-profit charity, recognised by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), meeting national standards for integrity, transparency and accountability.

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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Biodiversity Council

(c/o University of Melbourne)

Faculty of Science, SAFES (Building 122)

Victoria 3010 Australia


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Email Jaana Dielenberg, Media Manager

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Media Release

Feeding wild birds can spread bird flu: Experts have four ways to reduce the risk

20 August 2026
Many Australians feed wild birds, but as H5 bird flu spreads, the Biodiversity Council warns that backyard bird feeders can create hotspots for disease transmission. Here are four ways you can reduce your risk.
Read More
Media Release

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.
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Media Release

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.
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News story

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.
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News story

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.
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News story

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.
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Media Release

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.
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News story

Where your money is invested can help shape the future of nature

1 July 2026
Join Project Planet co-founder and CEO Tegan Lerm in making simple, biodiversity-friendly financial choices to shape a better future for nature.
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Media Release

Council appoints research publishing innovator CEO

18 June 2026
The Biodiversity Council has appointed Jack Rejtman, the co-founder and former Managing Director of The Conversation Media Group, as new CEO.
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News story

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.
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