Public Health England has an extensive section on avian influenza on its website. This is regularly updated and should be consulted regularly.
The PHE guidance describes reporting arrangements in England. In Northern Ireland, clinicians should inform the PHE as to who will liaise with the PHE Centre for Infections, London. It is important this reporting route is followed to ensure that those who have operational responsibility are informed as soon as possible.
Further information on avian influenza (bird flu) including symptoms, diagnosis, management and epidemiology is available through following PHE website https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/avian-influenza-guidance-data-and-analysis
Public health information about Avian Influenza A (H5N6) for the general public
Finding a dead bird
There have been a small number of wild birds with Avian Influenza A (H5N6) detected nationally. This has also occurred in other countries in Europe. It is possible during this time that further migratory or wild birds will be found to have died of Avian Influenza.
There have not been any human cases of this European strain of Influenza A (H5N6) internationally to date; this strain is different to that seen in China. The risk to public health is therefore considered to be very low.
What should I do if I find a dead bird?
It is important to remember that the vast majority of bird deaths in the UK will not be related to Avian Influenza, based on information from surveillance activities. However, you should follow routine precautions to prevent any other risks to your health, by following the advice below about contact with avian species, bird feathers, and bird waste:
- do not pick up or touch sick, dying or dead poultry or wild birds, and keep any pets away from them
- avoid contact with surfaces contaminated with bird faeces
- avoid untreated bird feathers (such as those found in the environment) and other bird waste
- maintain good personal hygiene with regular hand washing with soap and use of alcohol-based hand rubs
If you find dead waterfowl (ducks, geese or swans) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey you should report them to:
Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Helpline 0300 200 7840 in Northern Ireland.
DAERA will make arrangements to collect and test the bird for Avian Influenza to help understand how any Avian Influenza disease is distributed both geographically and among different bird species. They will also take your details so that you can be contacted later if required.
What if the dead bird tests positive for Avian Influenza?
In the event that the dead bird tests positive for avian influenza and you have previously reported direct contact with the bird, you may be contacted by the PHA Health Protection Team who will check these details with you as part of a risk assessment, and provide any relevant health advice such as arrangements to check on your health, as a precautionary measure. In some circumstances, you may be offered antiviral medicines to prevent avian influenza.