Avian influenza (bird flu) mainly affects birds. It can also affect humans and other mammals.

All bird keepers (whether you have pet birds, commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock) must keep a close watch on them for signs of disease and maintain good biosecurity at all times. If you have any concerns about the health of your birds, seek prompt advice from your vet.

Alert November 2022

Bird flu has been detected in the area.

Don't risk spreading it:

• Keep to the footpath, with dogs on leads
• Do not feed wild waterfowl
• Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds
• Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings
• If you keep poultry or other birds, wash your hands, clean and disinfect your footwear before tending to your birds
• Please report to the Defra helpline on 03459 335577 if you find:
  • A single bird of prey (including owls)
  • 3 or more dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese, or ducks) or gulls
  • 5 or more dead birds of any species

APHA may collect some dead birds for surveillance testing. Otherwise, birds can be disposed of safely, if necessary, by the local authority or landowners.

Register your birds

If you have not already registered your birds, you are encouraged to do so, even if you only have a few ducks/chickens kept as pets:

Poultry (Including game birds):registration rules and forms

Latest Information:

Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England

For the latest information on Avian Influenza in Warwickshire visit the Warwickshire County Council website