Don’t let bird flu take flight

Detecting bird flu early is important to limit its spread. Unfortunately, one of the first signs of bird flu is sudden, unexplained death in several birds.

If you see signs of bird flu in multiple birds in your flock, consult your veterinarian first to rule out more common diseases. Wait for your veterinarian's instructions before handling any sick or dead birds.

Know what signs to look for in your birds

The best way to keep your birds safe from bird flu is to prevent them from having contact with infected birds or contaminated materials and environments.

• Make enclosures birdproof by repairing or blocking holes.
• Keep your birds away from open ponds, lakes, creeks, or other water used by wild birds.
• Keep new birds in a separate area away from other birds (quarantine) for 14 days. Ensure they are healthy before introducing them to your flock.
• Keep pet birds such as budgies, cockatiels, parrots, finches, and doves inside or undercover and separate from wild birds.
• Use fencing or netting to keep wild birds away from your birds' feed and water.
• Buy birds, litter, and feed from accredited sources.
• Make sure the water you use doesn’t come from sources that wild birds frequent or could contaminate. Treated (chlorinated) mains water and bore water that has been tested are less likely to be contaminated.

• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling birds.
• Keep bird housing, bedding, and equipment clean.
• Don't share equipment with other bird owners – including egg cartons and other storage materials.
• Clean your footwear and wash clothing regularly. Avoid using the same clothing and footwear around your birds if you have visited other flocks or events such as shows.
• Use pest control to control rats and mice, which can carry diseases on their feet and fur.

The best way to give sick wildlife a chance to recover is to leave them alone. Approaching wildlife can be stressful to them and can make their condition worse.

• Don’t touch or move sick or dead wildlife.
• Ensure that dogs stay away from dead or recovering wildlife.
• If out hunting, don’t allow your dogs to collect sick birds, or pick up birds that are already found dead.
• Dead wildlife can carry diseases that can make people and pets sick. Avoid contact with any dead animals.

When travelling between wildlife spots, ensuring that your gear, clothing and footwear are clean. This will help reduce the spread of diseases between populations.

When hunting:

• Wash any clothes that have been in contact with birds between hunting trips.
• Take care when cleaning birds. Practise good hand hygiene and don’t eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth while handling harvested birds. 

The most obvious sign of bird flu is the sudden or unexpected death of multiple birds or marine mammals in a group.

If you see three or more sick or dead wild birds, marine mammals or other wildlife, report it.

Call the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.