Bird flu (avian influenza): how to spot and report it in poultry or other captive birds
The signs of bird flu and how to report it in poultry and other captive birds.
- From:
- Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Animal and Plant Health Agency
PublishedPublished:- 26 August 2014
- Last
updatedupdated: 1312DecemberAugust20222026 — See all updates
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
Signs of bird flu
BirdsThere infectedare with2 thecategories most serious strain of bird flu,flu called– highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI),) or low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI).
HPAI is the most serious type of bird flu. Birds with HPAI usually show some (or all) of the following signs.signs:
- sudden death
swollenlyingheadcloseddown andrunnyeyesunresponsiveness- lethargy and depression
lyingdroopingdownofandtheunresponsivenesswingslackdiscolouredoforcoordinationloose watery droppings- eating less than usual
lethargysuddendrinkingincreaseless ordecreasemoreinthanwaterconsumptionusualheadclosed andbodyrunnyshakingeyesdroopingaofstoptheorwingsdraggingsignificantofreductionlegstwistinginofeggtheproductionhead(eggandneckabnormalities)swellinghead andbluebodydiscolourationofcombandwattlesshakinghaemorrhagesfeverandorrednessnoticeableonincreaseshanksinofbodythelegsandundertheskinofthenecktemperature- breathing difficulties such as gaping (mouth breathing), nasal snicking (coughing sound), sneezing, gurgling or rattling
feverswellingorandnoticeableblueincreasediscolourationinofbodycombtemperatureand wattlesdiscolouredswollenorhead- lack
looseofwaterydroppingsco-ordination stopdraggingorofsignificantdropineggproductionlegs
Some
BirdsLPAI infectedis with the less serious straintype of bird flu,flu. calledBirds lowwith pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) may not show clear signs of infection. They may have mild breathing problems. These signs can indicate bird flu, but the avian influenza virus can only be confirmed through laboratory tests.
IfYou youcan arerefer concernedto aboutsome photos of the healthclinical signs of bird flu on Flickr.
Some species such as ducks, geese and swans can carry the bird flu virus and spread it without showing any signs of illness.
What to do if you are concerned about your birds
Speak speak to your private vet.vet if you are concerned about the health of your birds.
If you suspect bird flu, you or your vet must report it immediately to– the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) even if the signs are mild.
ReportHow to report suspected bird flu in poultry or other captive birds
If you suspect bird flu in poultry or other captive birds, you must report it immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) by calling:
- 03000 200 301 if you’re in England
- 03003 038 268 if you’re in Wales
- your local Field Services Office if you’re in Scotland
Bird flu is a notifiable disease in poultry and other captive birds. If you do not report it, you’re breaking the law.
Find out what happens when you report bird flu.
Report dead wild birds
When to report dead wild birds and how to report them.
How to prevent bird flu spreading
Find out how to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading.