Increase in Avian Influenza cases causes concern for wild birds across the UK 

The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is asking members of the public to report sightings of dead birds, following a recent spike in the numbers of wild swans, geese and other birds being diagnosed with High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI). The disease, known more widely as bird flu, has been detected in several species of wild bird in recent weeks and scientists are keen to map the disease’s spread and impacts
across the UK this winter.

Large numbers of migratory birds are currently arriving on our shores to spend the colder months here, alongside resident species. Birdwatchers and conservationists have been noticing a worrying increase in cases of dead birds, raising concerns that we may be entering period of high infection.      

So far, the species most affected include waterbirds such as Mute Swans, Whooper Swans, geese and gulls.

With reports of mass fatalities among Common Cranes in Germany, where more than 2,000 of the birds have died of bird flu recently, scientists are bracing themselves for potentially catastrophic consequences among wild birds here in the UK.  

All dead and sick birds of any species should be reported to Defra (online or call 03459 33 55 77) in the UK and DAERA in Northern Ireland, and to  BirdTrack  online or via the free app. Defra/DAERA will decide whether to collect the dead birds and test them for the disease.

Members of the public are reminded not to touch dead or sick birds, and to keep dogs on leads to prevent the further spread of disease.