Avian flu is an infectious type of influenza which spreads among birds. During the last few months, multiple species of wild birds across England have tested positive for avian influenza, including within our area. As a partnership raising awareness of wild birds on the coast we wanted to assist in providing information for the public.
We have sourced the below statements from the government website:
“In light of evidence from the continent and ongoing high numbers of findings among wild bird populations in England, the risk of incursion of avian influenza has been increased to very high for wild birds” – Government webpage on Avian Influenza (opens in a new window)
“Public Health England advises that the risk to the public’s health from all four of the virus strains which have been found in England (H5N2, H5N8, H5N5, H5N1) is very low.” – Government webpage on Avian Influenza (opens in a new window)
“If you find a dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey, you should report them to the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77 – please select option 7).” – Government webpage for Avian Influenza (opens in a new window)
The below webpages can be used to find more information on avian influenza:
- Government webpage on Avian Influenza (opens in a new window)
- NHS webpage on Avian Influenza (opens in a new window)
- RSPB webpage on Avian Influenza (opens in a new window)
- Hampshire County Council webpage on Avian Influenza (opens in a new window)
