Bird flu is a notifiable, infectious disease that affects both wild and kept poultry. The disease is taken very seriously as it's devastating to birds, spreads very fast and whilst some strains have the potential to jump from birds to humans, this is very rare.
On Wednesday 3 November 2021, the UK's devolved administrations made a decision to declare an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the whole of the UK to help mitigate the risk of the disease spreading.
Avian influenza (bird flu) is a notifiable animal disease. If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on: 03000 200 301. In Wales, contact: 0300 303 8268.
If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77 - please select option 7). DO NOT TOUCH OR PICK UP any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.