Avian Influenza

Bird flu is a disease which has been featured on the BBC news and rural workers need to be aware of it. Avian influenza is a disease of birds. Exposure may occur in those who are in close contact with infected birds or who work with materials or products from infected birds; for others the risk is extremely low. Firstly, do not touch any sick or dead birds. If you are walking with your dog, keep it away from infected birds. Read more for case numbers and how to report diseased birds.

In the United Kingdom, there have been 188 confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 since 1 October 2022: 157 cases in England; 23 cases in Scotland; 8 cases in Wales and 1 case in Northern Ireland. Check if you’re in a bird flu disease zone on the map.

How to report Avian Flu

In England, Scotland and Wales, you should use the online reporting system or call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77) if you find any dead wild birds.   

In Northern Ireland contact the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840. In Ireland call 01 607 2512 during working hours or 01 492 8026 at all other times

If you know the species, you can also report dead wild birds on BirdTrack to help assess population impacts.