Manchester City Council

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Do I need to report single dead birds?
If you find dead wild gulls, waders, ducks, geese or swans and you are within a survey area or unsure whether you are in a surveillance area please contact the Defra Helpline 08459 33 55 77 and choose the Avian Influenza option which will be open from 8.30am - 8pm, 7 days a week.  You will be asked for details of your finding and its location.  If you find any other single dead birds, including garden birds then you do not need to call the Defra Helpline.  Please visit Defra's wild bird surveillance pages for more information.

What should I do if I find a number of dead birds?
If you find die offs involving 10 or more dead birds of the same species or from different species in the same place you should contact the Defra Helpline 08459 33 55 77 and choose the Avian Influenza option which will be open from 8.30am - 8pm, 7 days a week.

Am I at risk from touching dead birds?
Wild birds can carry several diseases that are infectious to people.  If dead birds are handled, it is important to wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible.  Avoid touching your face and certainly do not eat until you have washed your hands.  Clean any soiling on clothing with soap and water.

What am I at risk from?
Although the risk of Avian Influenza may be low, birds can carry other respiratory infections.  Birds can also carry infections which can cause gastrointestinal infections such as Salmonella and Campylobacter.

What should I do if I or my children touched a dead bird?
See question above.

Where could I dispose of dead birds and how?
Please contact the owner of the land on which the dead birds are located.  Also see Defra's Guidance on handling and disposing of dead and wild birds.

What should I do if I find dead wild birds near or among my poultry?
Please report these to Defra Helpline (as set out above) without delay so that they can discuss with you and provide advice on the next steps.

Is it necessary to report deaths in birds kept in outside aviaries or gamebirds?
You should report cases where a number of birds have died within a short time and there could have been contact with migratory waterbirds.  You are strongly advised to do this through your private veterinary surgeon.

Do I have to worry about my pets eating or bringing dead birds in?
It is always sensible to prevent pets eating wild birds or other animal carcases given that there is the possibility that the death could have been caused by poisoning or from a severe bacterial infection or the carcase could have been deliberately poisoned for use as a bait.

My dog found some dead birds.  Does this mean it will get 'flu?
In the unlikely event that the reported dead birds had died from Avian Influenza, the risk to your dog would be extremely low.

Should I report dead birds that look as if they've been hit by a car or savaged by a wild animal?
Not if it is clear that that is the cause of death, or if the carcase is starting to putrefy.

All these questions and answers and other information can be found on  www.defra.gov.uk