Avian flu
Avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) in force
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) came into force across Great Britain on 17 October 2022. This means there is a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian flu.
Currently we have no cases of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu H5N1) in Walsall. You can read the latest guidance about Avian Flu on the GOV.UK website.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that avian influenza is primarily a disease of birds and the risk to the public is very low.
New housing measures - from 7 November 2022
Housing measures to protect poultry & captive birds from Avian Influenza are being extended and will be in force across England from 7 November 2022.
From this time, it is a mandatory requirement for all bird keepers across England to keep their birds housed, or where this is not practical, to take steps to separate them from wild birds. Further information can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Reporting sick or dead birds - wild or captive
Avian influenza (bird flu) is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of bird flu in poultry or captive birds, you must report it immediately calling the DEFRA Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. Failure to do so is an offence.
Reporting dead wild birds
You should contact Walsall Council on 01922 650000 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
- If you have touched the above stated birds or their droppings, eggs or bedding
Reporting sick birds
If you see sick wildfowl, call the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find. For further information see the advice to the public on the GOV.UK website. If you have touched a dead or sick bird, please call United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on 0344 225 3560 (option 2).
APHA animal disease alert subscription service
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) provides a subscription service which notifies subscribers when there is an exotic notifiable animal disease outbreak in the UK. Subscribe to receive animal disease alerts on the GOV.UK website.
