Bird Flu (avian influenza)

Avian influenza or bird flu is an infection that mainly affects birds but can, on rare occasions, also affect humans and other mammals. Bird flu circulates naturally in wild birds so when they migrate to the UK in winter, they can pass the disease on to poultry and other domestic birds.

Avian influenza (or bird flu) is a notifiable animal disease. 

 

Risks to Humans

The risk of bird flu passing from infected dead birds to humans is very low and usually happens only after close contact with infected birds. You can read NHS guidance on the risks to humans from bird flu.

As a precaution, please follow these simple steps:

• Do not touch or move sick or dead birds
• Stay away from areas with lots of bird droppings or feathers
• If you must come into contact, wash your hands well and clean your shoes

 

Advice on Wild Birds

If you find a dead wild bird, please report this to DEFRA. An online report can be completed at Report dead wild birds - GOV.UK or reported via their helpline number 03459 335577. They will ask you for a few details including how many and what type of dead birds and where you found them.

When you report dead wild birds, they may be collected by DEFRA and tested for bird flu. However, not all dead wild birds will be collected by them.

 

Collection of Dead Wild Birds

Dead birds on public land can be disposed of safely by the local authority or by the landowner/manager if on private land.

To report a dead bird on public land for collection, please call Dover District Council on 01304 872428.

For guidance on removing and disposing of dead wilds birds, including any found in your home, please see Removing and disposing of dead wild birds - GOV.UK

 

Advice on Captive Birds

If you keep poultry or other captive birds, even as pets in your garden, you must register with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA):

• Find guidance on how to register as a keeper of less than 50 poultry or other captive birds  on the government website.
• Or, for larger flocks, there is guidance on how to Register as a keeper of 50 or more poultry or other captive birds.

You should keep a close watch on your birds for signs of disease and make sure you have good biosecurity measures in place to prevent contact with wild birds. Speak to your vet if you have any concerns about the health of your birds.

Bird flu (avian influenza): how to prevent it and stop it spreading - GOV.UK

 

Latest Guidance

To find out the latest bird flu situation in England and guidance for bird keepers and the public, please see Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England on GOV.UK. 

DEFRA now provide an interactive map of reported wild bird mortality and findings of avian influenza virus (bird flu) in wild birds and wild mammals.

• interactive map  of reported wild bird mortality and findings of avian influenza virus (bird flu) in wild birds and wild mammals
• interactive data dashboard of findings of avian influenza virus in wild birds