Bird flu – advice for owners of domestic birds and poultry

  • Keep bird feed and standing drinking water free from contamination by wild birds and other animals. This might mean feeding and watering under cover.
  • Make sure your premises are clean. Spilled feed, litter and standing water attract wild birds and vermin.
  • Try to keep your birds separate from wild birds, waterfowl, pets and other animals. The best solution is to keep the birds inside a building such as a barn or outhouse. Where this is not possible an alternative such as a wire cage or other enclosure would reduce risk of infection. However, try to provide a cover so that droppings from wild birds can not reach your birds.
  • Poultry owners, such as free-range farmers, whose flocks normally live outdoors, are advised to make preparations to bring them under cover if necessary to protect them from infection caused by contact with wild birds or droppings.
  • Keep visitors and their vehicles as far away from your birds 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. Visitors should do the same.
  • Avoid sharing equipment as this may spread disease. If you do have to share, make sure the equipment is cleansed and disinfected before and after use.
  • Use a disinfectant that is approved by Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) under the Diseases of Poultry Order – it will be stated on the label.
  • Be vigilant when purchasing new stock and use reputable sources. Keep new birds and any birds you have taken off your premises separate from the rest of your birds.

Contact details for help

  • For facts about the disease visit the avian influenza pages on the Defra website – avian influenza.
  • If you suspect disease, act quickly and consult your vet. Avian influenza and Newcastle disease are notifiable diseases and must be reported to your local Divisional Veterinary Manager at Reigate on 01737 242242.
  • Under an EU directive, anyone with 50 or more birds must add their premises to the Great Britain Poultry Register. More details on the Defra website – poultry.