Avian influenza is a notifiable disease of birds. It commonly circulates in wild birds in the winter months, associated with the migratory season.

All wild birds and unhoused pet birds should be treated with caution, including initial examination outside of the rescue and strict fact finding before admission. 

Where cases arise, Defra may declare an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) with biosecurity advice and restrictions on bird gatherings, housing, and movements.

Birds will be remotely triaged prior to examination. This will be prior to the bird being brought to the rescue and use of photos and videos as appropriate.

Please do not be alarmed if we ask lots of questions, we are not trying to be difficult, we just want to make sure due diligence is done and that we can help as best we can.

Clinical signs in birds are variable between species and individuals, some infected individuals may be asymptomatic. The full list of symptoms can be found on the governments website – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu

AI has been isolated in a wide range of species of wild birds. The most common species affected however are waterbirds (waterfowl and waders, such as swans, ducks and geese) and birds that may feed off other dying or dead birds (corvids, some birds of prey, sea birds).

Anyone finding dead wild birds is asked to report them to Defra via the online reporting system

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds or the Defra helpline 03459 33 55 77.

You should not touch, pick up or transport dead or sick birds suspected of being AI Infected.. 

Advice fact checked at the time of writing