Avian Influenza (bird flu)

Reporting suspected bird flu

Report suspected bird flu in poultry or other captive birds

If you suspect bird flu in poultry or other captive birds, you must report it immediately by calling:

  • 03000 200 301 if you’re in England
  • 03003 038 268 if you’re in Wales
  • your local Field Services Office if you’re in Scotland

Bird flu is a notifiable disease in poultry and other captive birds. If you do not report it, you’re breaking the law.

Find out what happens when you report bird flu.

Report dead wild birds

Call Defra on 03459 33 55 77 if you find:

  • one or more dead birds of prey
  • 3 or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks)
  • 5 or more dead birds of any species

You do not need to report any other found dead wild birds. Bird flu is not a notifiable disease in wild birds.

If you report a dead wild bird, Defra and APHA may arrange to collect it and test it. This is to help explain where bird flu is spreading in Great Britain and in which types of birds.

Do not touch or pick up a dead or visibly sick wild bird.

You can read weekly reports of bird flu findings in wild birds in Great Britain. For information on bird flu findings in reported wild birds read Defra’s outbreak assessments.

Report sick or injured wild birds

You can report sick or injured wild birds to the:

  • RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 if you’re in England or Wales
  • SSPCA 03000 999 999 if you’re in Scotland

They may be able to help. This may include euthanasia and disposing of the bird if appropriate.

Do not report sick or injured wild birds to Defra or APHA.