Animal Health and Welfare

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a disease of birds which presents a very low risk to human health but a significant threat to the UK’s poultry industry and kept bird populations, and a threat to natural biodiversity through its impacts on wild birds.

It's vital that people who keep birds to continue to practice good biosecurity to prevent further outbreaks and their birds from becoming infected with this disease.

Whether you own a few pet chickens or ducks, 1000s of poultry on commercial premises, or farm gamebirds, you all need to implement high standards of biosecurity. This is the key to preventing the spread of this disease. Although wild birds have introduced the disease, it is often humans that cause the spread to their birds.

If you suspect bird flu in poultry or other captive birds, you must report it immediately by calling 03000 200 301 if you're in England.

Bird flu is a notifiable disease in poultry and other captive birds. If you do not report it, you're breaking the law.

• Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England
• Bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot and report it in poultry or other captive birds
• Bird flu (avian influenza): housing your birds safely
• Bird flu (avian influenza): how to prevent it and stop it spreading
• Report dead wild birds

Bluetongue is a notifiable animal disease. If suspected, farmers must report it immediately on 03000 200 301 (England) and 0300 303 8268 (Wales).

• Current Defra information on cases, zones and guidance
• BTV hotline 024 7771 0386
• Government guidance on preventing and stopping the spread of Bluetongue
• Ruminant Health & Welfare and the NFU website contain practical and up to date information for farmers
• Up to date information about BTV3 vaccination

• RSPCA
• Natural England
• Animal Welfare Council