Avian influenza (bird flu): Wild birds

Precautions

Wild birds can carry several diseases that are infectious to people. If dead birds are handled, it is important to wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible. Avoid touching your face and certainly do not eat until you have washed your hands. Clean any soiling on clothing with soap and water.

Reporting dead 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 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.

For Avian Influenza monitoring we are in most cases, looking for incidents of mortality affecting significant numbers of birds at the same time in the same place; however single or multiple deaths of swans are of interest.

At present incidents that should be referred to the VLA should meet one of the following criteria

-         Death of three or more birds of the same species

-         Death of six or more birds of mixed species

-         Death of one or more swans