GovWire

Signs of bird flu

Birds infected with the most serious strain of bird flu, called highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), usually show some (or all) of the following signs.

• sudden death
• swollen head
• closed and runny eyes
• lethargy and depression
• lying down and unresponsiveness
• lack of coordination
• eating less than usual
• lethargy
• sudden increase or decrease in water consumption
• head and body shaking
• drooping of the wings
• dragging of legs
• twisting of the head and neck
• swelling and blue discolouration of comb and wattles

• haemorrhages and redness on shanks of the legs and under the skin of the neck

• breathing difficulties such as gaping (mouth breathing), nasal snicking (coughing sound), sneezing, gurgling or rattling
• fever or noticeable increase in body temperature
• discoloured or loose watery droppings
• stop or significant drop in egg production

Some species such as ducks, geese and swans can carry the avian influenza virus and spread it without showing any signs of illness.

Birds infected with the less serious strain of bird flu, called low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) may not show clear signs of infection. They may have mild breathing problems. These signs can indicate bird flu, but the avian influenza virus can only be confirmed through laboratory tests.

If you are concerned about the health of your birds speak to your private vet. If you suspect bird flu, you or your vet must report it immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) even if the signs are mild.

Report suspected bird flu in poultry or other captive birds

Find out what happens when you report bird flu.

Report dead wild birds

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 notifiable 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 read weekly reports of bird flu findings in wild birds in Great Britain. For information on bird flu findings in reported wild birds read Defras outbreak assessments.

Report sick or injured wild birds

You can report sick or injured wild birds to the:

• RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 if youre in England or Wales
• SSPCA 0300 999 999 if youre 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.

What to do with dead wild birds that are not collected for testing

If dead wild birds are not collected for bird flu testing, landowners can remove carcases. The landowner is responsible for disposing of the carcasses safely and for any costs of removing and disposing of dead wild birds.

Read guidance on disposing of small numbers of garden birds found on your home property.

If you decide to remove any other dead wild bird that you suspect has been infected with bird flu you must dispose of it as a category 1 animal by-product.

If youre a landowner or land manager, read the mitigation strategy for avian influenza in wild birds for further guidance on removing and disposing of wild bird carcases.

Disposing of dead wild birds on public land

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. Find out how to contact your local authority.

Disposing of small numbers of dead garden birds found at your home

If you find small numbers of dead garden birds at your home (domestic residential property only) you can dispose of them in your household or municipal waste bin, or you can bury them.

If you dispose of a dead wild bird with your household or municipal waste, you should:

1. Pick it up wearing disposable gloves or a plastic bag over your hand.

2. Put the bird in a plastic bag and tie it. Take care not to contaminate the outside of the bag.

3. Put the bird in a second (preferably leak proof) plastic bag, along with the gloves or plastic bag you used to pick it up and tie it. Take care not to touch the outside of the gloves with bare hands.

4. Put it in your outside household or municipal waste bin.

5. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

If you bury a dead wild bird you should:

• dig a hole at least 60cm deep to stop animals digging it up
• not bury it in a plastic bag (if you use a plastic bag to pick the bird up put it in your outside household or municipal waste bin)
• not bury it near any watercourses or in a place where it could contaminate local water supplies
• wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water when youve finished

How to prevent bird flu spreading

Find out how to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading.