While all bird species are thought to be susceptible to infection, domestic poultry flocks are especially vulnerable to infections that can rapidly cause epidemics in poultry.
Transmission to humans in close contact with poultry or other birds occurs rarely and only with some strains of avian influenza. The potential for transformation of avian influenza into a form that both causes severe disease in humans and spreads easily from person to person is a great concern for world health.
Avian flu often causes little or no disease in wild waterfowl but sometimes causes large outbreaks associated with high mortality in poultry. In these instances the term "highly pathogenic avian influenza" (HPAI) is used. This form, which was first recognized in Italy in 1878, is extremely contagious in birds and rapidly fatal, with a mortality approaching 100%. Birds can die on the same day that symptoms first appear. Outbreaks in poultry may spread rapidly.
For more information and guidance on Avian Flu please visit the DEFRA website.
INFORMATION ON WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A DEAD BIRD
Members of the public should call the DEFRA helpline
08459 335577
if they find:
· More than ten dead birds of the same species, or
· More than ten dead birds of different species in the same place
Callers will be asked to provide details of the finding and location.
If you find dead wild gulls, waders, ducks, geese or swans you may wish to call the DEFRA helpline for advice.
If you find any single dead birds (or less than 10), including garden birds then you do not need to call the DEFRA helpline. Either leave it alone or follow the guidelines for disposal on the DEFRA website.