Please see below the Avian (Bird) Flu information for Residents and also Bird Keepers, with links to other useful websites:

Information for Residents

Firstly, remember that the risk of Avian Flu being transmitted to humans remains low.

Finding a dead bird
There are many reasons why birds die, ranging from a wide variety of infections to attack by cats, so it is not unusual to find the occasional dead bird in the garden especially in the spring when young birds are highly vulnerable.  Do not handle dead birds directly. They are unlikely to be carrying avian flu but they can suffer from other infections that people can catch.

Wild Birds
If you see one or more dead swans or wild fowl (ducks and geese), more than 3 dead birds of the same species or more than 5 dead birds of different species, in the same place, you should contact the Defra helpline 08459 33 55 77.  Try to provide as much information as you can about what you've seen so the Veterinary Service can make an initial assessment.
The helpline is currently getting a very high level of calls. Please be patient if you are trying to get through.

If you have any concerns about this please feel free to contact Public Protection on 01202 451296 during normal office hours (8.30 – 17.15) or 01202 451145 outside these times.

DEFRA Q&A
Defra have also compiled a comprehensive question and answer page on their website which should address most of your concerns about surveillance of the wild bird population and this can be found at on the Defra website.

Handling dead birds
If you have to handle a dead bird, follow these guidelines:

• Wear disposable protective gloves when picking up and handling the carcass (not latex). 
• Place the bird inside two sealed waterproof plastic bags. Ensure there is no leakage and place it in your refuse bin for collection.
• If you need to transport it in a vehicle place the bag on a plastic sheet inside the vehicle. 
• Wash hands, nails and forearms thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water after handling. 
• Clean any contaminated clothing and contaminated parts of your vehicle with soap or disinfectant.
• DO NOT put dead birds in the freezer. 
• DO NOT leave dead birds lying around. 
• Keep children away from dead birds.

Further advice
If you are concerned about health impacts you can get more detailed advice on the Health Protection Agency website.

Defra is the lead authority on Avian Flu in birds. They currently advise all people that keep poultry and other domestic birds to remain vigilant for signs of the disease. All keepers should maintain a high level of biosecurity to reduce the risk of introducing the disease. Full details for biosecurity measures for poultry and other domestic bird keepers can be found on the Defra website at.

Avian Flu information for bird/poultry keepers

Defra is the lead authority on Avian Flu in birds. They currently advise all people that keep poultry and other domestic birds to remain vigilant for signs of the disease. All keepers should maintain a high level of biosecurity to reduce the risk of introducing the disease. Full details for biosecurity measures for poultry and other domestic bird keepers can be found on the Defra website.

Additional information about avian flu and working with poultry can be found on the following websites

Environment Agency

Health & Safety Executive