Bird Flu and Dead Wild Birds

1. What is bird flu?

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is an infectious viral disease that primarily affects birds. It can spread between wild birds and may also affect poultry, captive birds and some mammals.

Not every sick or dead wild bird has bird flu. Birds can die for many reasons, including injuries, other infections, poisoning and starvation. However, it is not possible to confirm whether a bird has bird flu simply by looking at it, and some infected birds may show few or no obvious signs.

Although the risk to the general public is considered very low, bird flu can occasionally infect people and may cause serious illness. It is therefore important to avoid unnecessary contact with sick or dead wild birds.

2. What should I do if I find a dead wild bird?

Do not touch, pick up or move the bird unless you have been advised to do so by the appropriate authorities.

Instead:

• Keep your distance and prevent children and pets from approaching.

• Do not allow dogs or cats to sniff, chew, carry or eat the bird.

• Avoid touching nearby feathers, droppings or contaminated water.

• If the bird is on public land, contact the local authority if removal is necessary.

• If it is on private land, notify the landowner or site manager.

• Report the finding to Defra if appropriate, particularly if you find several dead birds or species of concern.

You can report dead wild birds through the official government service:

Report dead wild birds:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds

Alternatively, call the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.

Reports help the authorities monitor bird flu and decide whether birds should be collected for testing. Not every report will result in a collection.

3. Which dead birds should I report?

Reporting is particularly important when you find:

• Several dead wild birds in the same area.

• Dead swans, geese or ducks.

• Dead gulls or birds of prey.

• Multiple birds dying within a short period.

• Dead birds close to wetlands, ponds, lakes or coastal areas where waterbirds gather.

• An unusual pattern of deaths involving wild birds.

These are useful indicators for surveillance, but they do not prove that bird flu is present. Follow the current Defra reporting guidance, as the birds selected for collection and testing may vary according to species and the situation.

If you find a single dead garden bird, such as a robin or blue tit, bird flu is not a common explanation. Nevertheless, avoid handling it and use the official guidance to decide whether to report it.

4. What if I find a sick or injured bird?

A bird that appears weak, unusually quiet, disorientated or unable to move normally may be suffering from an injury or illness. These signs are not specific to bird flu.

If you find a sick or injured wild bird:

1. Keep your distance and observe it without approaching unnecessarily.

2. Keep children, dogs and other animals away.

3. Do not attempt to catch, handle or transport it if bird flu is a concern.

4. Seek advice from the appropriate wildlife authority or a veterinary professional.

5. If you contact a wildlife rescue, explain the bird's species, location, symptoms and whether other sick or dead birds are nearby.

Always telephone a rescue or veterinary practice before taking a bird anywhere. This is particularly important when bird flu is suspected, as moving a potentially infected bird could expose other birds, animals and people.

CapesWildlifeRescue cannot automatically accept a bird suspected of having bird flu. Please contact us first so that the situation can be assessed and the appropriate advice obtained.

5. What if I have already touched a dead bird?

Do not panic. A contact with a dead bird does not mean you have contracted bird flu, and the risk to the general public is very low.

If you have touched a dead or sick wild bird:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

• Avoid touching your face until your hands have been cleaned.

• Wash clothing that may have been contaminated.

• Clean any surfaces that the bird may have contacted.

• Dispose of contaminated disposable items safely in accordance with official guidance.

If you develop symptoms after contact with a bird suspected of having bird flu, seek medical advice promptly and explain the exposure. If a health or animal health professional informs you that a bird you handled may have been infected, follow their advice about contacting your local health protection team.

Do not bring a dead bird into your home to examine it or attempt to identify its cause of death.

6. Keeping dogs, cats and other pets safe

Bird flu can occasionally infect mammals, including cats and dogs. The risk is low, but precautions are worthwhile.

• Keep pets away from sick or dead wild birds.

• Prevent pets from eating bird carcasses, feathers or droppings.

• Keep dogs under effective control when walking near areas where wild birds gather.

• Do not allow pets to drink from or play in water contaminated by sick or dead birds.

• If your pet has contact with a suspected infected bird and becomes unwell, contact your vet and explain what happened.

If you find a dead bird in your garden, keep pets away while you follow the appropriate reporting and removal guidance.

7. What about feeding garden birds?

You do not necessarily need to stop feeding garden birds simply because bird flu is a concern. However, good hygiene is important to reduce the spread of bird flu and other wildlife diseases.

• Clean bird feeders and bird baths regularly.

• Remove uneaten food and accumulated droppings.

• Avoid allowing food or water to become heavily contaminated.

• Wash your hands after handling feeders, bird baths or anything contaminated by wild birds.

• If several birds are becoming sick or dying around a feeding station, stop feeding temporarily, keep your distance and seek advice from the relevant authorities.

Follow any additional restrictions or public health advice that apply to your area.

8. Why should dead wild birds not be moved unnecessarily?

Dead birds may contain infectious material, and moving them can increase the risk of contamination or expose people and animals to disease.

Leaving a carcass undisturbed also allows the authorities to assess whether it may be useful for disease surveillance.

If a carcass presents a risk to people, children, pets or the public, its removal may be necessary. However, the appropriate person or organisation should arrange this safely. Members of the public should not attempt to collect birds for testing themselves.

9. Can CapesWildlifeRescue help?

CapesWildlifeRescue can offer advice about sick, injured and vulnerable wildlife, subject to our facilities, capacity and the circumstances of the case.

However:

• Please do not bring dead wild birds to the rescue.

• Do not arrive at the site without prior authorisation.

• If you suspect bird flu, report the finding through the official government service and follow the advice provided.

• If you find a live, sick or injured bird, contact us before attempting to catch or transport it.

• Please tell us if other birds have died or become unwell nearby, as this information may be important.

Admissions must always be discussed and authorised in advance. This protects our patients, staff, volunteers and the wider wildlife population.

10. Further information

For the latest official guidance, visit:

• Report dead wild birds: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds

• Bird flu: advice for the public: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/avian-influenza-bird-flu-advice-for-the-public-on-staying-safe

• Latest bird flu situation in England: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england

• Keeping pets safe from bird flu: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/bird-flu-how-to-keep-pets-safe

Remember

You do not need to panic if you find a dead wild bird, but you should never assume it is safe to handle. Keep your distance, keep pets away, report the finding where appropriate and follow official advice.

Protect yourself, protect your pets and help prevent the spread of wildlife disease.