Avian Flu - Advice

Sadly Avian Flu is sweeping across Great Britain and has already claimed the life of the cob of our Barnes Pond pair.

Defra have issued the following advice in relation to the treatment of wild birds which are found and thought to be suffering:

Call Defra on 03459 33 55 77 if you find:

  • one or more dead birds of prey

  • 3 or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks)

  • 5 or more dead birds of any species

You do not need to report any other found dead wild birds. Bird flu is not a notificable disease in wild birds.

If you report a dead wild bird, Defra and APHA may arrange to collect it and test it. This is to help explain where bird flu is spreading in Great Britain and in which types of birds.

You can report sick or injured wild birds to the:

  • RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 if you’re in England or Wales

  • SSPCA 0300 999 999 if you’re in Scotland

They may be able to help. This may include euthanasia and disposing of the bird if appropriate. Do not report sick or injured wild birds to Defra or APHA. Do not touch or pick up a dead or visibly sick wild bird on public land. The local authority is responsible for disposing of dead wild birds on public land if necessary.

Image credit to Martyn Wheatley, local resident.

Green-KeeperBCA Admin