Commonly known as bird flu, avian influenza is a disease of birds. It presents a very low risk to human health but is a significant threat to the United Kingdom’s (UK's) poultry industry and kept bird populations. It can also pose a threat to natural biodiversity through its impact on wild birds.
The risk of bird flu outbreaks occurring in the UK typically increases on a seasonal basis, with the arrival of migratory wild birds in the autumn and winter months. The first cases are usually expected in late autumn with the peak risk occurring between December and February.
Strict biosecurity
If you keep birds, you should continue to follow good biosecurity practices. These measures help stop the spread of bird flu and protect your birds from infection.
Whether you keep a few chickens or ducks as pets, manage a large poultry farm or rear gamebirds, you need to maintain high standards of biosecurity. This is the key to preventing the spread of this disease. Although wild birds have introduced the disease, it is often humans that cause the spread to their own birds.
Read the full guidance at Bird flu (avian influenza): how to prevent it and stop it spreading - GOV.UK.
Ongoing vigilance for symptoms in your bird stocks
Ensure that you remain familiar with the symptoms and check your birds frequently. If you suspect any symptoms, you must report it immediately by law. Contact Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200301.
Bird flu is classified as a notifiable disease. Read the full guidance at Bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot and report it in poultry or other captive birds - GOV.UK.
Register captive birds
It remains a legal requirement to register all captive birds, even a couple of hens in the garden. The only exception is birds kept inside your home.
Report dead wild birds
DEFRA welcomes reports on dead wild birds to help monitor how the disease is spreading. You can report dead birds by telephone or by using the online form.
Find out how to report dead birds on the GOV.UK website. Not all dead birds will be collected.
Please note, the public are strongly advised not to touch dead wild birds, their feathers or droppings. If you come into contact with them, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water. The risk of bird flu passing to humans is deemed low.
Human health
The risk of transmission to humans is deemed low. However, the public are advised not to touch dead or sick wild birds, their feathers or their droppings.
More information about Bird Flu in humans - NHS.UK.
Pet health
There is a small risk to cats and dogs if they come into contact with infected birds, feathers or droppings. You can find advice on keeping pets safe from bird flu - GOV.UK.
Additional information
You may also find these GOV.UK pages useful:
