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Avian flu (Bird flu)

Avian influenza (bird flu) is a disease of birds caused by an influenza virus closely related to human influenza viruses.

It is an important disease for poultry farmers because of losses in poultry flocks.

At present, it is not easily passed to humans. It only rarely affects humans, and only those in close contact with poultry or other birds. However it is possible that in the future the virus could transform into a form that could cause severe disease in humans and spread easily from person to person.

There is a great deal of information for owners of poultry, and also the latest news on the virus on the Department for Food and Rural Affairs website.

There is information on the human health implications of avian flu on the Health Protection Agency website.

The latest advice from Defra on reporting dead birds is :-

If you find

  • one or more dead swans/wild fowl (ducks and geese), or
  • 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 (08459 33 55 77).

Currently the Helpline is available between the following hours Monday - Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday - Sunday 9am to 6pm. You will be asked for details of your finding and its location.

Page last updated on 18 May 2012