Avian influenza (Bird flu)

Avian influenza in birds update: 21 February 2023

The threat of avian influenza (‘bird flu’) to poultry and other captive birds continues and the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), including mandatory housing measures announced on 7 November 2022, remain in force across England.

The measures legally require all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow stringent biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the disease, regardless of type or size.

The government launched a new online system for reporting dead wild birds on 13 December 2022 and published guidance on when and how to report dead wild birds.

  • In England, reports of dead wild mammals (two or more dead mammals in the same location, nervous disease or other unusual mortality) should be reported to the relevant local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Veterinary Investigation Centre.
  • Reports, where poisoning is suspected, should be reported to the Wildlife Incident Investigation Service on 0800 321600.
  • Reports of found dead wild birds should be reported through Defra’s new online reporting tool or the helpline (03459 335577)

What is ‘avian influenza’ (‘bird flu’)

Avian influenza is ‘flu’ in birds. It can make birds very ill. It can spread easily, including between wild birds and non-wild birds.

Although Avian influenza (bird flu) mainly affects birds, it can also affect humans and other mammals.

  • can cause great losses of birds and high costs. On occasion, it can also affect humans. Thus, it is very important that all control measures as advised by national government are followed closely. 
  • spreads from bird to bird by direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces. It can also be spread by contaminated feed and water or by dirty vehicles, clothing and footwear.
  • the virus changes frequently, creating new strains, and there is a constant risk that one of the new strains may spread easily among people.
  • avian influenza isn’t an airborne virus.

Bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot it and report it - GOV.UK

Why is avian influenza a concern

Bird flu, or avian flu, is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. In rare cases, it can affect humans.

There are lots of different strains of bird flu virus. Most of them don't infect humans but there have been strains that have caused concern . There is a constant risk that one of the new strains may spread easily among people.

Bird flu itself has major impacts on both wild birds and domesticated birds - bringing illness to both and very high costs for bird keepers and government alike.

For more about why avian influenza is a concern see:  Bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot it and report it - GOV.UK

New national government announcements

Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds have now been introduced to all areas of England from Monday 7 November 2022 

The housing measures legally require all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow stringent biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the disease, regardless of type or size.

All poultry gatherings, including at fairs, shows and markets, remain banned, due to a large number of flocks mixing together and the risk posed by any infections spreading across the country.

What actions do I need to take if I keep birds

  • You MUST follow national guidance - check here (and another national government sites) for the latest guidance: 

  • You MUST report signs of disease

    • You must keep a close watch on your birds for any signs of disease, and must seek prompt advice from your vet if you have any concerns. If you suspect avian influenza you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. Failure to do so is an offence.

  • Ensure your birds are registered correctly: 

    • You should register your poultry, even if only kept as pets, so national government can contact you during an outbreak. This is a legal requirement if you have 50 or more birds. Poultry includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeons (bred for meat), partridge, quail, guinea fowl and pheasants.

    • You can sign up to the national alerts service to keep up to date with the latest news. You can also get Defra email alerts or subscribe to Defra’s RSS feed by copying and pasting this RSS feed URL into your feed reader.

  • Learn more by attending a ‘Stop the Spread’ webinar: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu-stop-the-spread-webinars/stop-the-spread-webinars

What actions do I need to take if I find a dead wild bird

Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find. Read wild bird guidance for further information.

Reporting dead wild birds

Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.

You should call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77) if you find:

  • one or more dead bird of prey or owl
  • 3 or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks)
  • 5 or more dead birds of any species

Calls to the Defra helpline about dead wild birds are triaged and not all birds will be collected. The criteria for which birds are collected are adjusted to increase or decrease the sensitivity of surveillance.

Wild birds are susceptible to a range of diseases and injuries and not all dead birds will have been infected with avian influenza.

Should DEFRA not arrange the collection of the bird in Kingston it can be removed by Kingston Council if the bird is on public land. Please make a report of the dead bird or 0208 547 5800 (emergency out of hours).

Where to get more information

For more information on avian influenza (bird flu) see:

Posters are available to download and use

Last Modified: 17/04/2024 16:20:14