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Bird flu (avian influenza)
Bird flu Bird Flu is a disease of birds caused by a virus closely related to the human influenza viruses.  Most strains of the virus have little effect on birds, but there is a strain, (H5N1), that can cause death in birds.


World wide the spread of the disease to humans from birds is rare, and has been associated with close contact with infected poultry or other birds.

The reasons why the disease is causing so much concern are:

  • the potential effect that the disease could have on our bird population if the disease came to this country; and,
  • the risk that the disease could change into a form that could be spread from person to person and give rise to the next pandemic influenza virus.
The situation is being closely monitored, and the Government has prepared a contingency plan to ensure that the UK is properly prepared in the event that Bird Flu came to this country.

Further advice

Dead birds and animal health

Anyone who finds dead birds especially ducks, geese, swans, waterfowl etc. should call the DEFRA help line for advice

Telephone: 08459 335577  
e-mail helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk

For further information, please see the DEFRA website (external website).

For information on animal health issues and suspicious deaths in poultry you should contact the State Veterinary Service, Animal Health Division Office,

Telephone : 01737 242242     
Night line: 07623 935754
e-mail A.H.Reigate@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Surrey Trading Standards are collecting information on the location of all poultry including caged birds.  

Telephone: (01372) 371735
e-mail food.agriculture@surreycc.gov.uk

Human health

The latest information on bird flu; and human flu (including pandemic flu), can obtained from the Health Protection Agency (external website) website. Their local office can be contacted by on 01372 227331

Travel information

Up-to-date travel information is available from: