Avian flu FAQs
What is avian infuenza or bird flu?
Avian influenza (also known as bird flu) is a highly infectious viral disease affecting the respiratory, digestive and/or nervous system of many species of birds. It is one of the most important poultry diseases.
Bird flu is not airborne, except over very short distances by aerosol. It is spread by movement of infected birds or contact with respiratory secretions and in particular faeces, either directly or through contaminated objects, clothes and vehicles.
There is more information about bird flu and biosecurity on gov.uk.
What are the symptoms of bird flu?
The main symptoms are:
- swollen head
- blue discolouration of neck and throat
- loss of appetite
- respiratory distress such as gaping beak, coughing, sneezing, gurgling, rattling
- diarrhoea
- fewer eggs laid
- increased mortality
What should I do if I see a dead bird?
You should not touch or pick up any dead or unwell birds which you find. Report dead wild birds and waterfowl to us on 01922 650000.
Is bird flu a risk to people?
The risk to public health is very low. In rare cases, it can affect humans.
Humans are usually infected through close contact with infected birds, bodily fluid droplets such as those generated during defeathering processes, or other contaminated material. Birds shed influenza virus in their faeces, so contact with bird droppings is also a possible transmission route.
Is bird flu a risk to my dog/cat/other pets?
It is rare for cats to be infected with the bird flu virus. In the event of an outbreak of bird flu, pet owners in the immediate area might be asked to walk their dogs on a lead. This would be in the interests of your pet’s health and is a precautionary measure only.
I keep pet birds/poultry – what should I do to protect them?
Keep free-ranging birds in fenced areas to minimise contact with wild birds, neighbouring poultry or captive birds. Inspect outdoor areas, removing wild bird contaminants like faeces, feathers and wild bird carcases. Fence off or put netting over areas of standing water or ponds.
In addition to following government advice, you can download a simple guide (pdf) from the RSPCA, Defra, the NFU and others. This provides best practice advice to help backyard flock keepers to protect their birds from bird flu. It is important to be vigilant for any signs of disease. If you are worried about your birds' health or suspect bird flu, please contact your vet immediately.
Can bird flu enter the food chain?
The bird flu virus is killed by heat and common disinfectants. Heat treatment such as cooking will destroy the virus.
What should I do if I think my birds have contracted bird flu?
Contact the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
Are eggs purchased from birds within the exclusion zone harmful?
There is a very low risk to humans from eating eggs which may have been laid by poultry in the exclusion zone. As a precaution only, we would advise you not to eat them.
