Find out about bird flu (Avian Influenza) and what to do if you find a dead or sick bird
The Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed that the threat of avian influenza (bird flu) to birds continues. Sadly, this means there may be cases of bird flu in Brighton & Hove.
The risk of avian influenza for all poultry is very high (meaning the event occurs almost certainly) and Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) is in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ).
Bird keepers should continue to take steps to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading at all times and be vigilant for signs of disease.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that bird flu is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has said bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.
The current advice remains:
If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), gulls or birds of prey on public land do not touch or pick up the bird, and keep dogs away from them.
Report them to the council so they can dispose of them safely:
You'll need to share as much information as possible about the bird and its location including:
Any dead birds found on council housing land can be reported to the Housing estates service by email or by calling 01273 294 769.
A dead bird is very low risk to humans but do not touch the bird.
Where you find:
Report dead wild birds to DEFRA using their online reporting system, or call the helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
Some of these birds will be collected and tested to help understand what risk is posed to poultry and other captive birds.
Depending on the circumstances, they may advise you to follow the Defra advice for the disposal of dead or sick birds or to contact the council.
Disposal recommendations include to:
You will need to contact a pest control service if you want a dead bird removed from a roof or other inaccessible area of your property.
Sick or injured wild birds should not be reported to the Defra Helpline.
You can report sick or injured birds of prey, gulls, swans, geese or ducks to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
Do not approach or handle the bird yourself. If you have already touched the bird, please wash your hands immediately, along with any surfaces you may have made contact with.
If you have found a sick or injured bird, please follow the advice from the RSPCA.
The RSPCA website carries information on what to do if you find a wild bird from a smaller species.
There is an escalating number and expanding area of cases of avian influenza in kept and wild birds. Due to this, the AIPZ with mandatory housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds, will be extended to the whole of England.
All keepers of over 50 birds and all keepers who sell or give away eggs or poultry products (even if they keep fewer than 50 birds) in England must house their birds and continue to follow stringent biosecurity measures. Find more information about Bird flu (avian influenza) and how to prevent it and stop it spreading on the GOV.UK website.
You do not have to house your birds if:
Find out how to house your birds safely and the requirements for certain types of bird.
All bird keepers must continue to take extra precautions (including pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock). If you intend to allow your birds outside, check the latest information about bird flu and biosecurity measures on the GOV.UK website.
Wash and clean your hands before attending to your bird and keep them housed as much as possible to reduce the risk.
Keep a close watch on your birds for any signs of disease and seek prompt advice from your vet if you have any concerns.
Read more about how to spot the signs of Avian Influenza (bird flu) on the GOV.UK website.
Bird flu is a notifiable disease in poultry and other captive birds.
If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
If you do not report it, you’re breaking the law.
Call a GP or NHS 111 if you experience any symptoms of bird flu and have visited an area affected by bird flu in the past 10 days. Your symptoms can be checked over the phone.
Read more about Avian influenza (bird flu).