Animal Plant Health Agency
Signs of bird flu
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.
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 youre in England
- 03003 038 268 if youre in Wales
- your local Field Services Office if youre in Scotland
Bird flu is a notifiable disease in poultry and other captive birds. If you do not report it, youre breaking the law.
Find out what happens when you report bird flu.
Report dead wild birds
When to report dead wild birds and how to report them.
How to prevent bird flu spreading
Find out how to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading.
Last updated 13 December 2022 +show all updates
-
Updated to link to new guidance and tool for reporting dead wild birds.
-
Updated as part of a review of bird flu guidance.
-
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry at a fifteenth premises near Attleborough, Norfolk and at a second premises near Halesworth, Suffolk. (HPAI) H5N1 was also confirmed in non-commercial other captive birds at a premises near Lancaster, Lancashire.
-
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry on 2 November 2022 at the following: near Boston, Lincolnshire; third premises near Taverham, Broadland, Norfolk and a tenth premises near Dereham, Breckland, Norfolk. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone are in place around each of the premises.
-
Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds are to be introduced to all areas of England from 00:01 on Monday 7 November: these were announced on Monday 31 October.The housing measures legally require all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow stringent biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the disease, regardless of type or size.
-
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 confirmed in commercial poultry at premises near Much Hoole, South Ribble, Lancashire, near North Thoresby, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire and at a fifth premises near Thirsk, Hambleton, North Yorkshire.
-
Updated the latest situation. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry at a premises near Somersham, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire on 31 October 2022. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone are in place around the premises.Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in other captive birds at a premises near March, Fenland, Cambridgeshire on 31 October 2022. A 3km Captive Bird (Monitoring) Controlled Zone is in place around the premises.
-
Mandatory housing measures for all poultry and captive birds are to be introduced to all areas of England from 00:01 on Monday 7 November. The housing measures legally require all bird keepers to keep their birds indoors and to follow stringent biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the disease, regardless of type or size.
-
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry at the following: premises near Saxmundham, East Suffolk, Suffolk; third premises near Much Hoole, South Ribble, Lancashire; fourth premises near North Somercotes, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire; fourth premises near Much Hoole, South Ribble, Lancashire. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone are in place around each of the premises. All poultry on the premises will be humanely culled.
-
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry at the following premises: fourteenth near Attleborough, Breckland, Norfolk and second premises near Much Hoole, South Ribble, Lancashire. A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone are in place around each of the premises. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was confirmed in commercial poultry at a premises near Easingwold, Hambleton, Nort
Related Articles
Comments
Write a Comment
Ministerial Departmental News
- PM's Office, 10 Downing Street
- Cabinet Office
- Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
- Department for Communities and Local Government
- Department for Culture, Media and Sport
- Department for Education
- Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- Department for International Development
- Department for Transport
- Department for Work and Pensions
- Department of Energy and Climate Change
- Department of Health
- Foreign and Commonwealth Office
- HM Treasury
- Home Office
- Ministry of Defence
- Ministry of Justice
- Northern Ireland Office
- Scotland Office
- Wales Office
- See all departments