Alert close - icon Fill 1 Copy 10 Untitled-1 tt copy 3 Untitled-1 Untitled-1 tt copy 3 Fill 1 Copy 10 menu Group 3 Group 3 Copy 3 Group 3 Copy Page 1 Group 2 Group 2 Skip to content

Avian influenza (bird flu)

Avian influenza is a highly infectious disease affecting many species of birds, including poultry, wild and pet birds.


As a result of recently confirmed cases of avian influenza, Great Britain is no longer free from highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Gatherings of all poultry and other captive birds including ducks, geese and swans remain permitted. You'll need to follow the requirements of the poultry gathering general licence and notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) at least 7 days before the event.

Find out more about the latest bird flu situation in England and guidance for bird keepers and the public.

You can use the interactive map to check for currently active zones.

Signs of avian influenza and how to report it

The signs of avian influenza and details of where to report suspected cases in poultry or other captive birds are on the DEFRA website.

Wild birds

You can report dead sick or injured wild birds or get advice on what to do with dead wild birds that are not collected for testing.

Register your flock

You can help prevent the spread of disease and protect the national poultry flock by registering your flock (however small) on the Poultry Register.