Avian flu

Avian influenza (or ‘bird flu’) is a highly infectious disease which can affect all species of birds.

The risk of transmission from birds to people is low and almost entirely confined to those who have close contact with infected domestic poultry.

For information about the disease, guidance on handling birds and advice on what to do if you find a dead bird call the Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) helpline on 08459 335577 or visit the Defra website.

You can also find useful information and advice on the Department of Health website or the UK Resilience website.

Documents

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	DEFRA Generic Animal Disease Contingency Plan (link to Defra website) - sets out the structures and systems that would be implemented in an outbreak of disease and describes the Government's capability to provide the resources to implement the control policies. File format Adobe Acrobat - 924KB
	NHS avian flu travel advisory leaflet (link to Department of Health website) - public health advice leaflet for those going to or returning from bird flu-affected areas. File format Adobe Acrobat - 109KB
	NHS avian flu travel advisory poster (link to Department of Health website) - public health advice poster for those going to or returning from bird flu-affected areas. File format Adobe Acrobat - 91KB