Avian Influenza (bird flu)
Avian influenza (AI) is a disease of birds. People can become infected but rarely are. There are many strains of avian influenza viruses which vary in their ability to cause disease. The symptoms of HPAI are respiratory distress, swollen heads, dullness, a loss of appetite and a drop in egg production.
Latest outbreak
On 4 June 2008, Defra confirmed that the Avian Influenza present in laying hens on a premises near Banbury in Oxfordshire is the highly pathogenic H7N7 strain.
On 11 July, Defra published a final epidemiology report which concluded that at the time of writing (2 July) infection was confined to a single premise, and there is no evidence of infection on any contact or geographically close premises, or evidence of spread of infection to any other premises to date.
Reporting dead birds
Prompt action is key to controlling avian influenza. If you see dead wild gulls, waders, ducks, geese or swans or groups of dead birds, report them to the Defra Helpline 08459 33 55 77 choosing the Avian Influenza option. The helpline is open from 8.30am - 8.00pm, seven days a week.
