Back to the list

Avian Flu Outbreak – Advice

The UK is currently in the midst of an unprecedented outbreak of Avian Influenza (AI) and the winter migration of wild birds to the UK means that the situation is likely to get worse before it gets better.

AI spreads from bird to bird by direct contact or through contaminated body fluids and faeces. There is a substantial risk to poultry on farms and other kept birds, that may come into contact with infected wild birds.

It should be noted that the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed that Avian Influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the general public’s health is very low. The Food Standards Agency has said that on the basis of the current scientific evidence, avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

To assist the government with the monitoring and control of the Avian Influenza outbreak, the public are being encouraged to report findings of dead wild birds to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) helpline 03459 33 55 77. DEFRA and their contractors will then collect some of these birds and test them to help us understand how the disease is distributed geographically and in different types of bird.

If the dead bird(s) are not required by DEFRA and are located on public land, please contact the Council on 01268 882200 to arrange collection / disposal. For dead birds located on private land, or on residential premises, advice on their correct disposal can be found here: Avian Influenza Advice | GOV.UK

For further information please refer to Avian Influenza Guidance | GOV.UK