Bird flu/avian influenza guidance and dead birds

Bird flu/Avian Influenza mainly affects birds (it can also affect humans and other mammals). We have some guidance for keepers in Sheffield around protecting their birds.

If you suspect any type of bird flu in poultry or captive birds, you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

The recent advice from Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) for bird keepers explains that:

practicing good biosecurity at all times protects the health and welfare of your birds, and for commercial keepers it will help protect your business from HPAI and other diseases
all bird keepers are urged to remain vigilant and take action to protect their birds following a further increase in the avian influenza risk levels in Great Britain
the risk level of HPAI H5 in poultry where there is suboptimal or poor biosecurity has increased to medium with low uncertainty
the risk level where good biosecurity is consistently applied at all times remains assessed as low with low uncertainty
the risk level in wild birds remains assessed as high

There's more information on the evidence that supports these risk levels on GOV.UK: Avian influenza in Europe, Russia and the UK.

Sheffield's risk and outbreak level is determined by Defra, the Government agency.

Preventing and spotting bird flu

You can learn about what you can do to to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading through GOV.UK: Bird flu: how to prevent it and stop it spreading.

If you spot bird flu in poultry or other captive birds, then you need to report it.

GOV.UK: Bird flu: how to spot and report it in poultry or other captive birds

Registering with the Animal and Plant Health Agency

All keepers of birds that have access to outdoor space must have registered with APHA from 1 October 2024.

If you haven't registered yet, and you keep less than 50 poultry or other captive birds, you are breaking the law.

GOV.UK: Register as a keeper of less than 50 poultry or other captive birds

More information

There’s further detailed information from APHA at New mandatory bird registration: what do keepers need to know.

GOV.UK: Bird flu also explains the latest situation in England around bird flu.

Dead birds

If you find dead, wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline 03459 33 55 77 or GOV.UK: Report dead wild birds.