Hunting and shooting of wild birds

There have been no new restrictions introduced because of the avian influenza outbreak with regards to shooting of birds, or consuming wild birds.

The information regarding any new restrictions are available on this webpage but please note the situation is evolving, we aim to keep our webpage up to date with any new restrictions.

General advice about shooting and consuming wild birds

Consuming wild birds, as long as the meat is well cooked is very low risk to human health.

Anyone attending a shoot should follow good personal biosecurity and should regularly cleanse and disinfect clothing, footwear and vehicles – this is particularly important if they have any contact with game birds, poultry or other captive birds. There is, however, a possibility – albeit remote - that wild birds shot or culled in pest and predator control could be infected with bird flu at any time of the year, so it clearly makes sense to avoid actions that could spread infection from killed wild birds into any kept birds, whatever their species. Do not use the same vehicles and storage facilities for shot and live birds without thorough cleansing and disinfection in between. Keep all shot or culled birds well away from any kept flocks. Likewise, wash or sanitise hands and wash clothing well after handling dead birds and before any contact with kept flocks to minimise spreading infection.