Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in birds commonly known as bird flu, avian influenza is a disease of birds which presents a very low risk to human health but a significant threat to the United Kingdom’s poultry industry and kept bird populations, in addition to posing a threat to natural biodiversity through its impacts on wild birds.

Following on from increasing cases of HPAI across England and Scotland, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is in place across all of England. All bird keepers in the AIPZ must follow mandatory biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of further outbreaks. This applies to pet birds, commercial and backyard flocks. 

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in other captive birds at a premises near Pokesdown, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Dorset.

A 3km captive bird (monitoring) controlled zone has been declared surrounding the premises.

Symptoms of HPAI

Birds infected with the most serious strain of bird flu, called highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), usually show some (or all) of the following signs.

• sudden death
• swollen head
• closed and runny eyes
• lethargy and depression
• lying down and unresponsiveness
• lack of coordination
• eating less than usual
• lethargy
• sudden increase or decrease in water consumption
• head and body shaking
• drooping of the wings
• dragging of legs
• twisting of the head and neck
• swelling and blue discolouration of comb and wattles
• haemorrhages and redness on shanks of the legs and under the skin of the neck
• breathing difficulties such as gaping (mouth breathing), nasal snicking (coughing sound), sneezing, gurgling or rattling
• fever or noticeable increase in body temperature
• discoloured or loose watery droppings
• stop or significant drop in egg production

Some species such as ducks, geese and swans can carry the avian influenza virus and spread it without showing any signs of illness.

Birds infected with the less serious strain of bird flu, called low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) may not show clear signs of infection. They may have mild breathing problems. These signs can indicate bird flu, but the avian influenza virus can only be confirmed through laboratory tests.

If you are concerned about the health of your birds speak to your private vet. If you suspect bird flu, you or your vet must report it immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) even if the signs are mild.

Register as a keeper

It is a legal requirement that anyone keeping birds as pets or for commercial purposes must complete and submit a registration form. There are two levels of registration depending on how many birds you keep:

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

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

Report suspected bird flu in wild birds

You will be asked to provide the following information

• where you found the dead birds
• what type of dead birds you found
• how many dead birds you found
• your contact details

You can report dead wild birds:

• online on GOV.UK
• by phone on 03459 33 55 77