Avian Flu

Avian influenza is a highly infectious notifiable disease affecting many species of birds, including commercial, wild and pet birds.

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 either the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77. The current opening hours are Monday to Friday 6am to 10pm and Saturday and Sunday 6am to 10pm or Environmental Health on 01595 744800.

If the dead bird is a single, small garden, or wild bird then you do not need to report it.

You should:

  • leave it alone, or
  • follow the guidelines below for disposal.

People should follow some simple hygiene precautions to minimise the risk of infection. It is hard for people to catch avian influenza from birds and the following simple steps are also effective against avian influenza and the more common diseases that birds carry.

If you have to move a dead bird:

  • Avoid touching the bird with your bare hands
  • If possible, wear disposable protective gloves when picking up and handling (if disposable gloves are not available
  • Place the dead bird in a suitable plastic bag, preferably leak proof. Care should be taken not to contaminate the outside of the bag
  • Tie the bag and place it in a second plastic bag
  • Remove gloves by turning them inside out and then place them in the second plastic bag. Tie the bag and dispose of in the normal household refuse bin.
  • Hands should then be washed thoroughly with soap and water
  • If disposable gloves are not available, a plastic bag can be used as a make-shift glove. When the dead bird has been picked up, the bag can be turned back on itself and tied. It should then be placed in a second plastic bag, tied and disposed of in the normal household waste
  • Alternatively, the dead bird can be buried, but not in a plastic bag
  • Any clothing that has been in contact with the dead bird should be washed using ordinary washing detergent at the temperature normally used for washing the clothing.
  • Any contaminated indoor surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned with normal household cleaner.

If you have been in contact with sick or dead wild birds or poultry you should be aware of the symptoms of bird flu in humans, although risk of infection spreading to humans is very, very low. They are similar to ordinary flu symptoms and can appear suddenly. They may include:

  • a fever (temperature of 38°C or more)
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • headache
  • sore throat
  • sore eyes
  • muscle aches

An Information Line has been set up for anyone who may have health concerns about bird flu. The number is 08000 282 816 and will operate from 8am – 10pm daily, or alternatively telephone NHS 24 on 08454 242424. Alternatively speak to your GP or seek further advice from the Public Health Department on 01595 743340 during normal working hours.

We have a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Avian Flu available for download (187KB PDF).