Public Health advice following first confirmed case of bird flu in Worcestershire

On Saturday, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) confirmed the case and established a three kilometer protection zone and 10 kilometre surveillance zone around the area. Full details of these zones can be found on APHA’s website.

Public Health advises that:

• risk to health is very low
• avoid contact with birds, do not touch or handle sick, dying, or dead birds. Keep pets away from them as well
• practice hygiene, wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub, especially after being outdoors
• avoid contaminated areas, stay away from areas with known outbreaks of bird flu, and avoid contact with bird droppings
• food safety, cook poultry and eggs thoroughly, bird flu cannot spread through properly cooked food

Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health, Worcestershire County Council, said: “The risk to public health remains very low. However, if anyone has come into contact with a diseased bird and is concerned about their health, they should seek medical advice.

“From a food safety perspective, the Food Standards Agency confirms that bird flu poses a very low risk to the public. We are working closely with local Trading Standards and APHA to support bird keepers, pet owners and commercial flock managers, to monitor for signs of disease and take all necessary precautions to prevent its spread.”

For more information on symptoms of avian flu in humans, visit the NHS Bird Flu webpage.

Councillor Ian Cresswell, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Trading Standards, added: “Our Trading Standards team is actively supporting commercial bird keepers. DEFRA provides guidance on how to prevent the spread of bird flu, how to spot symptoms, and how to report suspected cases. Visit www.gov.uk/birdflu for the latest updates.”

From 1 October 2024, all households keeping chickens or other captive birds are legally required to register them with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Keepers who need to register can find out how on their website.

Register as a keeper of less than 50 poultry or other captive birds

What to do if you find a sick or dead bird 

Do not touch sick or dead wild birds, feathers, or surfaces contaminated with droppings.

For further advice, visit the UKHSA and RSPCA guidance or gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu pages. To report dead wild birds, visit www.gov.uk/guidance/report-dead-wild-birds.