QCBS Queensland Council of Bird Societies Inc

24/08/2026

VALE Frank Bastanie. Frank was an office-bearer in the QCBS as was his dear late wife Chris and daughter Carol at various times, in the not-too-distant past. Frank was always a hard worker in many bird clubs and the founder of Beaudesert Parrot and Finch Association Inc. It is people like Frank that are the backbone of our bird clubs, and that has earned him much respect and many friends. The QCBS extends our condolences to Carol, and his family. Lyle H.

Very sad news just recieved that Frank Bastanie has passed away.
Frank was the founder of the Beaudesert Parrot and Finch Association. He also started the Beaudesert bird sales which are very popular today.
He was a dedicated bird breeder and loved and supported the Beaudesert bird community.
Condolences to Carol and Franks family he will be sadly missed.

22/08/2026

https://acf.to/4zuVz5q Free WEBINAR on Avian Influenza H5N1, this Monday 24th August from 7pm to 8pm. Click the link to register to participate or listen. Covers our wild native birds' vulnerabilities to this virus. Organisers: BirdLife Australia; Australian Conservation Foundation.

Worried about H5N1 avian influenza? We are too. So we asked the President of BirdLife Australia if he'd have a chat to us about what we can do to help our birds and wildlife. He said yes!

18/08/2026

NOTICE of unavailability of online services from 5pm 20th to 9am 24th August 2026, from National Parks, in the Queensland Department of the Environment. This notice was sent to all Wildlife Licence holders in Queensland if they have their current contact details on record with the Dept.

27/07/2026

26/7/2026 Twenty cases of H5N1 detected in Australia to this date. The CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness has confirmed a positive test result in a Petrel species found on Moreton Island, off the coast of Queensland. There are several petrel species that visit the island but the exact species has not been announced at this time. Most H5N1 cases confirmed in Australia so far are in migratory seabirds which has always been the focus of biosecurity surveillance in this country as that has proven to be the most likely vector group for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

25/07/2026

From Brisbane Bird and Exotics Veterinary Services, - we just got recognised as one of their top fans! And we are!

20/07/2026

Avian Influenza advice for pet and aviary bird keepers (turn your sound on for this). Brisbane Bird and Exotics Veterinary Services.

06/07/2026

Avian Influenza UPDATE: As of 3.30pm AEST, 6th July 2026, Australia has seven confirmed or 'presumed positive' detections of H5 bird flu in migratory seabirds. More details on the AVA website - link below.

Avian Influenza UPDATE: As of 3.30pm AEST, 6th July 2026, Australia has 7 seven confirmed or presumed positive detections of H5 bird flu in migratory seabirds.
At this time, there is no evidence of any mass mortality. There is no evidence of infection in poultry or the wider agriculture industry or in the private non-commercial bird-keeping community. The official federal government position is that the risk to human health remains low.
If you find sick or dead birds & animals, you should not touch them or get close. Record your location and report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888.

Australian Veterinary Association website, read more: https://www.ava.com.au/resources-hub/emergency-and-disaster-response/high-pathogenicity-avian-influenza?fbclid=IwY2xjawS4YxtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeskd4PrthArfwQv27MO9Z7coXNeuyLzD7UGJpi0ANVW-v8FudDSMLVhL6Im0_aem_gASfgNlmvMb1gwibwmyWLw

20/06/2026

BIRD FLU, AVIAN INFLUENZA H5 STRAIN, confirmed in wild birds in WA.

Avian Influenza/ Bird Flu H5 strain, Western Australia:
Confirmation of H5 bird flu was announced on Saturday after a sick Subantarctic or Brown Skua (Stercorarius antarcticus or Catharacta skua) was found on the beach in Cape Le Grand National Park near Esperance, 700km southeast of Perth WA. This H5 strain has already killed millions of animals across the world. Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the government was prepared for its spread.
So far, there is no evidence of mortality or infection in poultry or agricultural production systems, the federal government has confirmed.
A second migratory bird, a Giant Petrel of the genus Macronectes (probably giganteus) has returned a suspected positive result for H5.

Tasmanian devils, and all avian species, some more than others, are susceptible to the disease.
"The animal populations most vulnerable are those that come together and breed in high densities", Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer Beth Cookson said.
Other species, such as the Australian Sea Lion, can be especially exposed as they are also at risk of extinction, according to Threatened Species Commissioner Fiona Fraser.

The arrival of this severe strain of H5 virus on mainland Australia marks a new and uncertain chapter for Australian wildlife.

The Response:
Australian officials have examined the spread of H5 bird flu in other countries to prepare their response.
More than 100 plans have been developed for significant natural sites, while a consultative committee for emergency animal diseases met recently to consider WA's state response plan.
The federal government has spent more than $100 million to strengthen Australia's preparedness for this strain of bird flu and continues to work with all state and territory governments.
NSW officials have offered to work with WA counterparts as they lead an on-ground response to detections.
It is vital that everyone reports dead or sick birds and marine mammals to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888.

People are being asked to take photos and videos but never handling or coming into direct contact with any dead wild birds or animals.

Pet owners have also been urged to stop cats from roaming and keep dogs on leads in wildlife areas, while those who work with or keep birds should prevent wild birds from mingling with their animals and keep equipment and hands clean. Aviary-bird keepers should follow their relevant Aviary Birds Biosecurity Codes of Practice, developed with avicultural clubs' representative bodies for this purpose.

This deadly strain was detected for the first time on Australian soil in October 2025 on World Heritage-listed Heard Island, 4000km southwest of Perth WA. Scientists who visited the sub-Antarctic territory estimated 13,359 Southern Elephant Seal pups had died from the disease out of a total population of 17,364.

Though there have been some human infections overseas, the risk is low and transmission has generally occurred after very close contact with sick or dying animals.

Emergency Animal Disease Hotline/ Australian Associated Press/ Australian Government/ Biosecurity Aviary Birds Australia. June2026

11/05/2026

VICTORIA: Please read and sign this petition to support the efforts by bird-keepers and avicultural clubs in Victoria as they face more restrictive legislation, based on often inaccurate and incorrect information including from self-appointed extremists who are aggressively trying to destroy our hobby. QCBS2026

Protect Bird Keeping in Victoria – Stop New Wildlife Act Restrictions