The worldwide pandemic of avian flu is having a devastating effect on UK birds – the tragic effects of the disease are being seen around the UK with reports of thousands of dying and sick birds from Northumberland to the Isles of Scilly.

The outbreak is believed to have its origins in the epidemic that has affected poultry farms in the Far East. Large numbers of captive birds kept in close contact and cramped conditions provide perfect conditions for new outbreaks – and factory-farmed poultry can also be highly susceptible to the disease. These features of intensive poultry farming mean that once a disease emerges, it can sweep quickly through a large population and be difficult to contain. Outbreaks like this are a symptom of this unsustainable farming system. 

Joan Edwards, director of policy and public affairs at The Wildlife Trusts says:

“Bird flu is killing huge numbers of wild birds that are already threatened by a range of other problems – from climate change and habitat loss, to overfishing and pollution. The current outbreak is thought to be the worst ever in the UK and has been particularly damaging for our internationally-important seabird colonies such as gannets.  

“We need to see the Government take a new approach to producing food that farms in harmony with nature instead of harming it. Intensive poultry sheds are a source of disease and the resulting chicken poo is polluting our rivers too. It’s also vital that we see stronger leadership on helping wild birds recover in a range of policy decisions this autumn – the Government has been slow to respond and the situation is far too serious to be swept under the carpet. Entire UK populations of seabirds are at risk of being lost.”

The Wildlife Trusts are calling for:

1. A new approach to poultry farming – intensive units that house thousands of hens and other domestic birds in barns are known to exacerbate the problem of contagious diseases, by providing ideal conditions for emerging pathogens to develop, which can then spread to wild birds
2. Government to develop a national strategy to help wild bird populations recover
3. Clearer Defra guidance on wild bird carcass removal and disposal in high-risk areas
4. Effective monitoring, surveillance, research and reporting systems in place to build real-time understanding of the virus and its progress in wild birds
5. Resilience built into vulnerable populations through recovery and conservation measures. This includes avoiding damaging development at sea and reduction of seabirds killed in bycatch
6. Government to issue a moratorium on releasing large numbers of non-native gamebirds when avian flu is present across the country 
7. More investment into how and why this is happening, to stand the best chance of avoiding similar tragedies in the future
8. More resources for wildlife and nature charities to help with monitoring and tackling the problem

What to do if you see a dead or ill bird:

• Call the Defra helpline 03459 335577 if you find a sick or dead bird. Landowners are responsible for disposing of dead birds. Contact the Local Authority if you find a dead bird on a beach. Read Defra advice page here.
• Do not touch any sick or dead birds
• Keep dogs and other pets away from any dead or sick birds
• Do not feed wild waterfowl
• Do not touch wild bird feathers or surfaces contaminated with droppings