What is avian flu?
Avian influenza (or “bird flu”) is a type of flu that affects birds.
How does avian flu spread?
Avian flu is a disease of birds and it very rarely affects humans. A human can catch avian flu if they have close contact with an infected bird (dead or alive). This can include touching the infected bird, touching droppings or bedding of infected birds, and killing and preparing infected raw poultry for cooking.
How can I protect myself?
The main way to protect yourself from contracting avian flu is to avoid direct contact with birds and bird droppings or litter.
Report any dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), gulls or birds of prey to Sandwell Council on 0121 368 1177 (Option 2 Street Cleansing, Option 3 Dead Animals) (Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm). Out of hours, email ancillary_support@sandwell.gov.uk
Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.
Please do not feed any wild birds in our parks including ducks and swans.
What should I do if I find a dead bird?
Report any dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks), gulls or birds of prey to Sandwell Council on 0121 368 1177 (Option 2 Street Cleansing, Option 3 Dead Animals) (Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm). Out of hours, email ancillary_support@sandwell.gov.uk
Do not touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find.
If you suspect any type of avian influenza in poultry or captive birds, you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.
If you have found a sick or injured bird, contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. Do not touch the bird.
What are the symptoms of avian flu?
The main symptoms include a high temperature, aching muscles, headache, cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include diarrhoea, sickness, stomach pain, chest pain, bleeding from the nose and gums and conjunctivitis. Symptoms appear 3-5 days after being infected with avian flu. More advice is available on the NHS website.
I think I might have avian flu. What should I do?
Call NHS 111 or GP if you have any symptoms of avian flu and if you have visited an area affected by avian flu in the past 10 days. More advice is available on the NHS website.
Can I catch bird flu from eating poultry / eggs?
No. Avian flu cannot be caught by eating fully cooked poultry or eggs.
Is there a vaccine for avian flu?
There is no vaccine for the avian flu. The seasonal flu vaccine doesn’t protect against avian flu.
Why is avian flu a concern?
The main concern is if a person has seasonal winter flu and catches avian flu at the same time. Flu viruses mutate often and, if an individual is infected with both types of flu, then mutations may occur which may mean the avian flu virus can spread between humans the way seasonal winter flu can.
How does avian flu get diagnosed?
It is diagnosed by a nose or throat swab that is sent off to a lab.
Is there any treatment for avian flu?
Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu can reduce the risk of severe illness. They can also be given to people who have been in close contact with infected birds or people as a preventative measure.
What about dogs and other animals?
Avian flu mainly affects birds. Although the risk is very low, avian flu can affect humans and other mammals such as dogs. Therefore, as a precaution, please keep to footpaths and keep your dogs on a lead when around wild birds.
Further advice on avian flu
Government guidance relating to bird flu
Advice for bird keepers
Check the Government website for the very latest advice from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).