Avian Influenza (bird flu)

Update 11 November 2020

An 'Avian Influenza Prevention' zone has been declared across the whole of England, Scotland and Wales.

The risk level for avian influenza incursion in wild birds in GB has been raised from ‘medium’ to ‘high’. The risk level for the disease being introduced to poultry premises in GB has been raised from ‘low’ to ‘medium’. 

Public Health England have advised the risk to public health remains very low and the Food Standards Agency have said that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.

More details can be found here: Latest DEFRA situation.

Avian influenza is unconnected with coronavirus (COVID-19).

This form of bird flu is not a significant risk to human health and there is no evidence of the disease in the Isle of Man. However, DEFA is advising that it would be sensible for Isle of Man poultry keepers to take reasonable precautions to reduce the risk to domestic birds by preventing or reducing as much as possible, contact with wild birds.

 The advice includes:

• Keep all feed bins covered to prevent access by wild birds
• Do not encourage wild birds to feed or drink with domestic poultry
• Anyone who feeds, handles, or contacts wild birds should change their clothing and disinfect before entering any domestic bird enclosure – if alternative personnel can be used, this would be best
• Ensure bird houses are secure and wild birds cannot enter, and rodent control programmes are kept up to date.

Poster on advice from DEFRA

The latest DEFRA information on Avian Influenza.

Dead birds

If you find single or multiple large dead birds e.g. goose / swan or multiple smaller dead birds, (6+ in one location) and they’re freshly dead, we would be grateful if could contact:

You will be asked for details of your finding and its location.

If the bird is a single, small garden bird or wild bird then you do not need to contact DEFA. You should leave it alone, or follow the guidelines below for disposal.

Wild birds can carry several diseases that are infectious to people and some simple hygiene precautions should minimise the risk of infection. It is hard for people to catch avian influenza from birds and the following simple steps are also effective against avian influenza.

If you have to move a dead bird

1. Avoid touching the bird with your bare hands

2. If possible, wear disposable protective gloves when picking up and handling (if disposable gloves are not available see 7)

3. Place the dead bird in a suitable plastic bag, preferably leak-proof. Care should be taken not to contaminate the outside of the bag.

4. Tie the bag and place it inside a second plastic bag.

5. Remove gloves by turning them inside out and then place them in the second plastic bag. Tie the bag and dispose of in the normal household refuse bin.

6. Hands should then be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

7. If disposable gloves are not available, a plastic bag can be used as a make-shift glove. When the dead bird has been picked up, the bag can be turned back on itself and tied. It should then be placed in a second plastic bag, tied and disposed of in the normal household refuse bin.

8. Alternatively, the dead bird can be buried, but not in the plastic bag.

9. Any clothing that has been in contact with the dead bird should be washed using ordinary washing detergent at the temperature normally used for washing the clothing.

10. Any contaminated indoor surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned with normal household cleaner.

Domestic Poultry - Help protect your birds from the risk of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

• Keep bird feed and any standing drinking water free from contamination by wild birds and other animals. This might mean feeding and watering undercover.
• Make sure your premises are tidy and clean. Spilled feed, litter and standing water attract wild birds and vermin.
• Keep your birds separate from wild birds, waterfowl, pets and other animals. Control vermin.
• Keep visitors and their vehicles away from your birds as far as possible. If they must have access, make sure vehicles and equipment are clean.
• Make sure your clothes, footwear and hands are clean, before and after contact with birds. Any essential visitors should do the same.
• Avoid sharing equipment. If you do have to share, make sure it is cleansed and disinfected before and after use.
• Buy feed from a mill or supplier that operates in accordance with Defra and Agricultural Industries Confederation Codes of Practice. Supply clean, fresh drinking water.
• Be vigilant when purchasing new stock. Use reputable sources. Isolate new birds and birds you have taken off your premises (for example, to a show).
• If you suspect disease, act quickly and consult your vet. Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease are notifiable disease and must be reported to the Chief Veterinary Officer of DEFA Agriculture, contact details below.

Good biosecurity is vital.

Many diseases, not only Avian Influenza but also others like Newcastle Disease, Salmonella and Campylobacter are spread by direct bird-to-bird contact through secretions and faeces, and indirectly through contaminated feed, water, equipment, boots etc. If in doubt about what to do, seek advice from your vet.

For further information visit the Defra website.

If you keep domestic poultry and would like a copy of the leaflet 'Advice to Poultry Keepers' - please contact: