Bird flu (avian influenza)

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. (opens in new tab)

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.

If you find a dead wild bird, please report this to DEFRA using the form below.

• Report dead wild bird (opens in new tab)
• report via the helpline number 03459 335577.

They will ask you for a few details including how many, 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.

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 us on 01304 872428.

For guidance on removing and disposing of dead wilds birds, including any found in your home, please follow the link below.

• Removing and disposing of dead wild birds (opens in new tab)

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):

• Register as a keeper of less than 50 poultry or other captive birds (opens in new tab)
• Register as a keeper of 50 or more poultry or other captive birds (opens in new tab)

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 (opens in new tab)

To find out the latest bird flu situation in England and guidance for bird keepers and the public, please see the government website below.

• Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England (opens in new tab)

DEFRA now provides an interactive map of reported wild bird mortality and findings of avian influenza virus (bird flu) in wild birds and wild mammals, which you can see below.

• interactive map (opens in new tab)
• interactive data dashboard (opens in new tab)