Leschenault Biosecurity Group Inc.

23/06/2026

As has been reported in recent news, Australia has now confirmed its first detections of the globally spreading H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu), at present confirmed in two wild migratory seabirds found near Esperance. The WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is leading the emergency response, with national coordination by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
As community members, we can play an important role in helping protect our wildlife, poultry industries and environment from this highly contagious strain of bird flu by remaining vigilant and reporting any dead or sick birds or animals showing signs of bird flu. Watch for signs such as unusual behaviour, difficulty moving, paralysis, swelling, breathing difficulties, diarrhoea, lethargy or the sudden death of one or more birds.
Please see information in the below shared post. Visit DPIRD’s website for more information at: www.agriculture.gov.au/campaigns/birdflu

H5 bird flu confirmed in WA

Date of issue: Saturday 20 June 2026

⚠️ THE SITUATION ⚠️

The first case of H5 bird flu in Australia has been confirmed in a single seabird near Esperance on the south coast of Western Australia.

Internationally this disease has caused deaths in more than 560 species of birds and 100 species of mammals 🐥 🐧 🦭

We’re responding as part of a nationally coordinated plan with Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and stakeholders across WA to reduce the impact of this disease.

🙍‍♀️ WHAT YOU CAN DO 🙍‍♂️

1. Reduce the spread

- If you see multiple sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not move them. Avoid contact. Record what you see. Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

- Keep pets away from wildlife, including preventing cats from roaming and keeping dogs on leads in wildlife areas.

- When going to and from national parks, reserves or farms, clean your shoes, clothing and vehicle to help prevent spreading diseases between places.

2. Reduce the risk to your poultry and pet birds.

- Prevent wild birds mixing with your birds, and accessing their feed and water.

- Keep pens, aviaries, feeders, water containers and equipment clean.

- Clean boots and wash hands thoroughly with soap before and after visiting poultry or handling birds.

- Monitor birds for signs of disease or sudden deaths and report multiple deaths.

16/06/2026

With no natural predators and an ability to adapt to almost all environments, feral deer already occupy every Australian state and territory, with an estimated 1 to 2 million across the country, with the highest numbers presently in Victoria. They destroy native habitats, ruin crops, and cause vehicle collisions, costing the economy upwards of $91 million annually.
Because feral deer numbers in WA are relatively low compared to the eastern states, land managers and the government have a critical opportunity to get ahead of the issue. Find out more about deer management in WA at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s website: www.dpird.wa.gov.au/businesses/pests-w**ds-and-diseases/animal-pests-diseases/pest-mammals/feral-deer/

08/06/2026

We look forward to participating in this feral pig management workshop coordinated by the Peel Harvey Catchment Council, PHCC, where we will share information about our processes and experience in supporting landholders across the Leschenault Biosecurity Group Operational Area using the HOGGONE® Feral Pig Management System. Events like this provide valuable opportunities to learn from others working in the feral pig management space, sharing knowledge, experiences, lessons learnt and practical management approaches. Knowledge gained at events like this helps us continue improving the support, guidance and information we can provide to local landholders for feral pig management on their private properties.

PHCC is holding a Feral Pig Management Workshop in Williams, 9am Tuesday 9 June. Registrations are essential via the QR code before 4 June.

05/06/2026

Today, on World Environment Day, we celebrate our environment and the collective actions that help protect it. Healthy environments don’t happen by chance. They are the result of informed, persistent and proactive management by individuals and communities working together toward a common goal. Across the Leschenault Biosecurity Group’s Operational Area, landholders are making a valuable contribution to the protection of our region's natural biodiversity through ongoing efforts to manage declared pests on their properties. Whether controlling feral pigs, foxes, rabbits, invasive w**ds such as Arum lily, Cotton bush and Cape Tulip or other declared pests, these actions help reduce impacts on native plants and wildlife, protect important habitats, improve ecosystem health and support more resilient landscapes.

Every pest controlled, every w**d removed and every property managed as part of a coordinated approach helps strengthen the broader protection of our environment. Our group can support private landholders within our Operational Area with property and pest-specific guidance, equipment loan and other support resources. If you'd like to discuss your declared pest management needs, please contact us on 0477 049 967 or visit our website at lbginc.org.au for more information.

01/06/2026

Thanks to the Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group for hosting this excellent demonstration featuring Central Fumigation & Pest Management Services showcasing the R3 Rodenator in action. For those that may not know, warren destruction is an important component of integrated rabbit management, helping reduce opportunities for rabbit populations to re-establish. LBG values opportunities like this to stay informed about emerging and innovative pest management tools and best-practice techniques that can help landholders make informed decisions about options for managing declared pests on their properties. Events such as this also reinforce the value of collaboration and knowledge-sharing among Western Australia's fourteen Recognised Biosecurity Groups. Working together helps us share knowledge, experience, lessons learnt and more across regions, bringing new ideas, practical insights and valuable information back to the communities we support.

22/05/2026

🦎🐦🐾 On International Day for Biological Diversity, we’re reminded that protecting Australia’s unique native species takes all of us.

In Australia, feral cats and foxes have a devastating impact on biodiversity, collectively killing an estimated 2.6 billion native animals every year in Australia.

At the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions (CISS), we’re proud to host the National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordinator (NFC&FMC) Program, supporting national collaboration, research translation and practical action to reduce the impacts of feral predators on our native wildlife.
https://loom.ly/4wGW5jI
Want to be part of the solution?

📍 Report sightings and help track invasive species:
• FeralCatScan: https://loom.ly/Kqhq0Ek
• FoxScan: https://loom.ly/IdbAi1E

📚 Explore practical management tools and resources:
🦊 https://loom.ly/BNrtFuI 🐈 https://loom.ly/7-b1FCM

22/05/2026

Feral pigs… moving quietly, damaging widely!

These field videos capture just a glimpse of the feral pig activity occurring across parts of our region.

The Leschenault Biosecurity Group works closely with private landholders across our Operational Area, regularly achieving significant success with our robust feral pig management program, primarily using the HOGGONE® Feral Pig Control System.

Feral pigs, a declared pest in Western Australia and significant pest nationally, cause extensive agricultural and environmental damage. Their activity impacts both plant and animal biodiversity, while also causing serious damage to private agricultural and rural properties.

From torn-up pastures, damaged crops and fencing, to disturbed dams and troughs, erosion along creek lines and waterways, spread of w**ds and potential spread of disease, feral pigs can cause significant impact. If you are noticing signs of feral pig activity on your property, including rooting damage, tracks, wallows or sightings, CONTACT the LBG team to find out about available support and management options.

Read more about our Feral Pig Management Program from the following link: https://bit.ly/lbgFeralPigControl

11/05/2026

11/05/2026

Happy Birthday, Sir David Attenborough! 🎂

His curiosity and passion has inspired countless people to pursue careers in STEM, many of whom work for us today!

To celebrate, here are some of our favourite Sir David facts:
🐢 He's part of the reason why tennis balls are yellow.
🐢 He has more than 50 plants and animals named after him.
🐢 His least favourite animal is rats.

Importantly, he's the same age as us! Happy 100th, Sir David! 🎉

11/05/2026