Avian Influenza advice

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) advice

Autumn and winter are times traditionally associated with an increase in avian influenza. 

Dead wild birds

If you come across at the same place at the same time:

• a single dead bird of prey, swan, goose, duck or gull
• or five or more dead wild birds of any other species

Report them:

• On the national online reporting tool for dead wild birds
• Or call the GB helpline on 03459 33 55 77  

Precautions

• Do not pick up or touch dead or sick wild birds
• Keep pets/dogs away from any dead or sick birds
• Do not feed wild waterfowl
• Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings

Human Influenza Vaccination

NHS Scotland is offering the free flu vaccination this winter to those at risk of exposure to avian (bird) flu. The vaccine doesn't protect against avian (bird) flu, but it can lower the risk of a new flu virus forming if you’re exposed to both human flu and bird flu at the same time. Those eligible include individuals who work at, or regularly visit, poultry units and poultry processing units.

To book an appointment call:

• 0800 030 8013

Spotting and reporting avian influenza

Bird keepers are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with the rules and biosecurity measures required within disease control zones. Information on how to spot, prevent, and report avian influenza can be found on the Scottish Government website:

• How to spot and report avian influenza

Anyone who has concerns about the health of their birds, or suspects avian influenza, should contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) immediately on:

• 03000 600 711

Reducing the risk

You can greatly reduce the risk to your poultry and other captive birds by:

• Cleaning and disinfecting clothing, footwear, equipment and vehicles before and after contact with poultry or other captive birds – if practical, using disposable protective clothing
• Reducing the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and other captive birds are kept, and use of effective rodent control
• Keeping government-approved fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points.
• Minimising direct and indirect contact between poultry and other captive birds, with wild birds
• Fencing off areas of standing water that may attract wild waterfowl, so they are inaccessible to poultry

Scottish Kept Bird Register

All keepers must register the location(s) of their bird(s) on the Scottish Kept Bird Register (SKBR). 

• To find out more and register

More information 

• For more information on avian influenza (bird flu) 
• For anyone interested in animal diseases, not just diseases of poultry, they may wish to sign up for free text and/or email alerts on national disease outbreaks via APHA’s subscription service
• Interactive map of reported wild bird mortality and findings of avian influenza (bird flu) in wild birds and wild mammals in Great Britain
• Interactive dashboard of positive findings of avian influenza in wild birds in Great Britain