Bird flu (avian influenza)

Advice for the general public

If you find one or more dead swans/wild fowl (ducks and geese), more than 3 dead birds of the same species or more than 5 dead birds of different species, in the same place, you should contact the DEFRA helpline. You will be asked for details of your finding and its location. 

Am I at risk from touching dead birds?

Wild birds can carry several diseases that are infectious to people. If dead birds are handled, it is important to wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible. Avoid touching your face and certainly do not eat until you have washed your hands. Clean any soiling on clothing with soap and water.

For further advice visit the DEFRA website - Bird flu Questions and Answers ( new window)

What is Bird flu (avian influenza)?

• Bird flu (avian influenza) is a contagious (spreads by contact) disease of animals caused by influenza 'A' viruses.
  
  
• Avian influenza viruses are normally only found in birds, but may infect pigs and have been known to infect sea mammals, mink, horses and other mammals.
  
  
• On rare occasions, some types of avian influenza viruses have infected humans, but this is usually without involving human to human spread.
  
  
• Avian Influenza viruses can be classified according to their ability to cause severe disease (pathogenicity) as either highly pathogenic or low pathogenic.
  
  
• Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses- (HPAI) can cause severe disease in susceptible birds and low pathogenic avian influenza viruses- (LPAI) generally cause mild disease or no disease at all.
  
  
• Avian influenza is one of the most important poultry diseases, and serious outbreaks of disease have been reported in many countries.
  
  
• In the UK, it was last confirmed in a flock of 8000 turkeys in Norfolk back in 1991.
  
  
• The UK has also had a recent case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a bird quarantine facility.