Report concerns about animal health
Report dead or sick birds
Bird flu is a disease of birds caused by influenza viruses.
If you spot any dead or sick birds, you should report them to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
- Bird keepers should report suspicion of disease in England to the DEFRA Rural Services Helpline by phoning 0300 020 0301.
- If you spot any dead or sick birds in our parks or public spaces, do not touch or pick them up. Please inform a park ranger or report them to us by phoning 0300 303 8884.
- If you find dead swans, geese or ducks, or other dead wild birds such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to DEFRA. Report dead wild birds online
About the Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ)
An Avian Influenza Protection Zone (AIPZ) is in place across Great Britain.
Having an AIPZ in place means:
- It's a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.
- Poultry and captive bird keepers are advised to be vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.
- Do not feed wild waterfowl.
- Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with wild bird droppings.
- Keep to the footpath with dogs on leads at all times.
- If you've not already done so, you should register your birds even if they're only kept as pets, so DEFRA or Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) can contact you quickly if there's a disease outbreak in the area. You're legally required to register your birds if you keep more than 50. If you've fewer than 50 birds you're strongly encouraged to register these. It's also a legal requirement to notify APHA of any significant changes in the average number of birds kept. (Poultry includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, pigeons bred for meat, partridges, quail, guinea fowl and pheasants.)
- Read the latest guidance about bird flu on GOV.UK
Report concerns about commercial animals
If you're concerned about a commercial animal's health and want to report it, please call us.
Commercial animals include:
- Animals that are used for food or animal products.
- Animals that are used for breeding.
- Animals that are being sold or hired out.
- Animals that are being used for performance or entertainment.
- Animals that require a dangerous animal licence.
- Animals kept in a zoo.
Phone 0300 303 8871 to report concerns about a commercial animal
Report a dead or injured animal
There are laws in the UK to protect the health and welfare of both domesticated and wild animals.
You can find out who to contact about reporting a dead or injured animal on the government's website.