How to prepare for animal disease
What is the risk? This is a risk that mainly affects animals. An outbreak of a disease like Avian Flu (Bird Flu) can spread quickly through wild birds and poultry (like chickens, ducks, and turkeys).
To stop the spread, the government may set up 'Protection Zones'. This would require all bird keepers in the area (even those with a few chickens in their garden) to follow strict biosecurity rules, such as keeping their birds indoors.
What you can do:
- For the public:
- The risk to human health from avian flu is very low.
- Do not touch or pick up any dead or sick-looking wild birds.
- Report it: If you find three or more dead wild waterfowl (like swans or geese) or one dead bird of prey, report it to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
- For bird keepers:
- If you keep any poultry (even as pets), you must follow strict biosecurity.
- Keep your birds' food and water away from wild birds.
- Clean and disinfect your footwear before and after going near your birds.
- Stay up to date on the latest advice on the GOV.UK website.