What is Bird Flu?

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.

What is bird flu?

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:

• HPAI: High pathogenic avian influenza.
• LPAI: Low pathogenic avian influenza.

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.

What are the signs of bird flu?

Birds affected by the most serious strain of HPAI can show any one of the following symptoms:

• Sudden death.
• Swollen or shaking body parts.
• Closed and runny eyes.
• Lethargy, unresponsiveness, and depression.
• Lack of coordination.
• Loss in appetite.
• Sudden increase/decrease in water consumption.
• Drooping wings.
• Breathing difficulties.
• Fever or noticeable increase in body temperature.
• Discoloured or loose watery droppings.
• Significant decrease or cease of egg production.

Can any species of birds get bird flu?

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.

Can humans get bird flu?

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.

What happens if you suspect bird flu?

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:

• 03000 200 301 (if you’re in the UK).
• 03003 038 268 (if you’re in Wales).
• Your local Field Services Office (if you’re in Scotland).

What happens when you report bird flu?

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:

• Cull all susceptible animals.
• Carry out cleansing and disinfecting of your premise.
• Present strict rules on restocking.
• Limit certain activities that could spread diseases.

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.

Can you deal with dead birds yourself?

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.

How to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading within your business

All bird keepers should consider biosecurity and hygiene standards when it comes to their poultry. With the right practices and prevention, you’ll be able to protect your flock from serious diseases – like bird flu.

Bird flu (also known as avian flu or HPAI) is an infectious viral illness that predominantly spreads amongst birds. With recent strains found in Great Britain, all bird keepers must take the right measures to stop the virus from affecting their livestock.

Remember, if you suspect bird flu, you must report it. 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.

Now, let’s look at how to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading within your premises:

Register your birds

The first step you need to take is registering your birds. If you have:

• 50 or more poultry (or other captive birds): You must register them within one month after arriving at your premises. This is a legal requirement.
• Less than 50 birds (including pets): You don’t have to legally register them, but it’s ideal. (This helps local authorities with informing you about bird flu outbreaks in your area).

Restrict access to captive and wild birds

Keep your poultry separate from gatherings of anseriformes (ducks, geese, and swans). Unfortunately, these species don’t usually show bird flu symptoms, even if they had it. Meaning, they can quickly pass on symptoms to other birds, like chicken or turkeys.

Discourage contact from neighbouring and wild birds, too. They can directly (and indirectly) contaminate food/water supplies. Keep supplies in enclosed spaces and regularly change. Keep an eye out for unidentifiable feathers, faeces, and carcases.

Maintain your bird houses and sheds

Keeping your bird houses and sheds in good condition will help prevent contact and contamination from wild birds. Make sure your poultry houses are free from holes, leaks, and blockages. Remove moss from roofs, as wild birds often use them for nesting or roosting.

If your poultry aren’t housed, keep them in fenced or netted outdoor spaces. Use bird deterrents, like scarecrows, spike strips, and streamers, to keep wild birds away.

Control rodents and pests

Mice and rats are known to carry diseases on their fur or feet. Using DETRA-approved rodenticide will help control the spread of diseases. The same applies to pests. You need to make sure any rodenticides don’t cause harm to your poultry.

Other wild animals, like foxes, dogs, and cats, can also carry diseases on their fur and feet. Keep them away from food supplies, housing, and rearing spaces.

Keep a clean environment

Try to always keep a clean rearing environment for your birds. This means cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, equipment, and vehicles. You must only use DEFRA-approved disinfectants.

You must wear clean footwear, clothing, and overalls when entering individual bird housing. This includes having dedicated shoes and foot dips which shouldn’t be used outside of poultry houses.

Protect the welfare of your birds

As a bird keeper, you are solely responsible for the welfare of your poultry. This means ensuring they’re comfortable and calm whilst inside their living premises.

Too much contact from random people can cause them stress and anxiety – and even increase the risk of diseases spreading. Keep a record of the date, time, and purpose of anyone visiting your poultry.

Manage your bird numbers

Before buying new birds, check their health records for bringing them into your property. Keep them away from your original flock and speak to your vet about starting a monitoring programme.

Use separate housing and equipment to manage new birds. And if possible, have someone else handle them; or handle them last following proper procedures. Remember, if you end up with 50 birds or more, you must legally register them.

Keep records of vaccinations, injuries, and deaths

It’s important to keep all poultry documentation up to date. Keep records of:

• Any birds that die.
• Any movements of birds and eggs (on and off the premises).
• Your birds’ food and water consumption.
• How many eggs your birds produce.

Poultry and most captive birds cannot be vaccinated against bird flu. In fact, vaccination isn’t a routine measure to control disease. Zoo animals can be vaccinated, but this must be approved by the APHA.

Display biosecurity checklists and posters

If your premises is located within the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ), you’ll need to complete a self-assessment checklist. This will help ensure you’re meeting the proper standards for protecting your flock from bird flu.

Representatives from the APHA or local authorities may inquire to check if you’re in an AIPZ. For example, they could conduct an inspection on your premises. From here, it’s best to display posters stating the risks of bird flu in or around your area.

Get expert advice on preventing bird flu with Peninsula

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.