From 18 January 2018, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone applies to everyone who keeps poultry or captive birds in England. If you keep poultry or birds, you must follow detailed requirements on strict biosecurity, whether you have commercial flocks or just a few birds in a backyard flock.

These measures have been taken because bird flu has been found in wild birds in this country. Bird flu is also present in Europe, and wild bird migration brings birds to the UK from areas where we know highly pathogenic bird flu is present. Disease control measures are kept under review based on the latest scientific evidence and veterinary advice.

If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese, or ducks) or gulls, or other dead wild birds, such as birds of prey, do not handle them yourself – report them to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 or by e-mailing defra.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

For more information on the current situation visit the Department for Environment & Rural Affairs.

For sources of local advice and guidance see our Animal Disease information page.