Avian Influenza advice

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) advice

Autumn and winter are times traditionally associated with an increase in cases of the contagious Avian Influenza. Cases have been found in various parts of Scotland in recent months.

Dead wild birds

If you come across at the same place at the same time:

a single dead bird of prey, swan, goose, duck or gull
or five or more dead wild birds of any other species

Report them:

On the national online reporting tool for dead wild birds
Or call the GB helpline on 03459 33 55 77

Precautions

Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds
Keep pets/dogs away from any dead or sick birds
Do not feed wild waterfowl
Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings

Advice for bird keepers

You can greatly reduce the risk to your poultry and other captive birds by:

Cleaning and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry or other captive birds – if practical, using disposable protective clothing
Reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and other captive birds are kept, and use of effective rodent control
Keeping government-approved fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points.
Minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and other captive birds, with wild birds
Fencing off areas of standing water that may attract wild waterfowl, so they are inaccessible to poultry