Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
The Avian Influenza Prevention Zone housing measures for poultry and captive birds in England and Wales have now been lifted, but the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone mandatory biosecurity measures remain in place across GB.
Ensure you follow the enhanced mandatory biosecurity guidance as the risk of avian influenza continues.
Find out more information about Avian Influenza.
Advice for people who keep birds
Poultry keepers need to remain vigilant and follow the updated advice on GOV.UK.
Can people catch bird flu?
Human infections with avian influenza are extremely rare in the UK. Public Health England's advice is that the risk posed by this strain to human health is 'very low'.
Is there a risk to dogs?
Dogs are not natural hosts for bird flu and there have been no reported cases of them becoming infected by picking up dead birds. However, as a precaution you should take reasonable measures to prevent your dog coming into direct contact with wildfowl and ensure that they do not eat dead birds.
Reporting dead birds
If you find dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds such as gulls or birds of prey, you can report it to the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
The birds will be collected and tested to help understand how the disease spreads geographically and in different types of birds.
Contact us if you are concerned that poultry keepers in Dorset are not protecting their birds.