Peninsula Group, HR and Health & Safety Experts
(Last updated )
Peninsula Group, HR and Health & Safety Experts
(Last updated )
As of 2024, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has announced that Great Britain is no longer free from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) – commonly known as ‘bird flu’. In this guide, we’ll look at what bird flu is, what the signs are, and how to prevent and even stop this infectious disease from spreading throughout your poultry.
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As of 2024, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has announced that Great Britain is no longer free from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) – commonly known as ‘bird flu’.
The recent H5N5 strain found in Yorkshire means all poultry within the infected areas will be humanely culled. Practicing good biosecurity helps protect the health and welfare of your birds – as well as your business.
Remember, all bird keepers have a legal responsibility to report bird flu if it’s suspected. Failure to do so is a criminal offence. For more information on avian diseases, call one of our expert Health and Safety Consultants for free.
In this guide, we’ll look at what bird flu is, what the signs are, and how to prevent and even stop this infectious disease from spreading throughout your poultry.
Bird flu (or avian flu) is an infectious viral illness that predominantly spreads amongst birds. Its scientific name is highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). There are two different strains of bird flu:
The first case of the H5N5 strain was found on 5 November 2024 – and has been increased from medium to high risk. Remember, it's your legal duty to report and prevent bird flu from spreading if found within your premises.
Birds affected by the most serious strain of HPAI can show any one of the following symptoms:
Some species of birds, like ducks, geese, and swans, can carry around the avian influenza virus without showing any signs of illness. They can even spread to others without being ill themselves.
Any birds with LPAI may not show symptoms, too. The virus can only be confirmed through scientific testing.
Bird flu primarily affects birds – however, it can affect humans and other animals, too. The UK Health Security Agency advises that the risk from the 2024 H5N1 strain to humans is very low.
The Food Standards Agency have also stated it’s safe to eat properly cooked poultry and relevant products, like eggs.
If you’re concerned about the health of your birds, you should contact the right authorities. Seek advice from your private vet on managing your animal’s welfare.
If you suspect bird flu, you or your vet must report it immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). This applies for both mild and serious symptoms.
Remember, bird flu is a notifiable disease in poultry and other captive birds. If you suspect it and don’t report it, you’re breaking the law. You should call:
Once the Animal and Plant Health Agency are notified, they’ll conduct their investigations on your premises. They could collect samples and even close areas down, trying to rule out the disease.
If bird flu or another notifiable disease is detected, they’ll set up a temporary control zone. This might seem like a hindrance but it’s to prevent the disease from spreading. If bird flu is found, the APHA may decide to:
You could be entitled to compensation if any healthy animals are culled in the process. However, any infected animals culled within the control zone are not compensated for.
Ideally, you shouldn’t deal with dead birds alone; they should be reported to the proper authorities. Not only does this help ensure proper measures are taken, it helps them understand how certain diseases spread. They will ask where you found the dead bird, what type of bird it is, and if there are others.
Do not touch any dead wild birds. It’s advisable to contact the proper authorities who will deal with them. In case of bird flu or other cause of death, these may need to be collected and tested.
Bird flu is a seriously, infectious disease that can lead to the culling of entire poultry farms. If you suspect bird flu within your premises, you’re legally obligated to report it to the right authorities.
Peninsula offers expert advice on preventing bird flu. We offer 24-hour H&S advice – helping you minimise the spread of diseases and viruses in and around your livestock.
Want to find out more? Contact us on 0800 028 2420 and book a free consultation with one of our Health and Safety consultants today.
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