Bird Flu
DEFRA are responsible for contingency plans to
deal with the effect of Bird Flu. Detailed information is available
on the DEFRA website.
With the recent heightened risk of the spread of
Avian Flu additional guidance has been issued on when it is
necessary to report the finding of a dead bird, and the actions to
be taken.
In the event of a serious epidemic, the Local
Authority will assist the Health Authorities in disseminating
public information, opening flu vaccination centres at strategic
points throughout the District and being prepared to implement
their mass casualty contingency plans.
Guidance on handling and disposing of dead garden and wild
birds
The advice given here applies in all
circumstances where members of the public may come across a dead
bird.
If you find a dead swan, goose or duck or three
or more dead wild, or garden birds together in the same place,
please report this to Defra, via the Defra Helpline on
08459 33 55 77. The current Defra helpline opening hours
are Monday to Friday 6.00 am to 10.00 pm and Saturday and Sunday
6.00 am to 10.00 pm.
They may wish to have the birds examined for
signs of specific diseases. They will advise you on what action you
should take.
If the dead bird is a single, small garden, or
wild bird then you do not need to call Defra.
You should:
- leave it alone, or
- follow the guidelines below for
disposal
- People should follow some simple hygiene
precautions that should minimise the risk of infection. It is hard
for people to catch avian influenza from birds. The following
simple steps are also effective in reducing the risk still
further.
If you have to move a dead bird
- Avoid touching the bird with your bare
hands
- If possible, wear disposable protective
gloves when picking up and handling (if disposable gloves are not
available
- Place the dead bird in a suitable plastic
bag, preferably leak proof. Care should be taken not to contaminate
the outside of the bag
- Tie the bag and place it in a second
plastic bag
- Remove gloves by turning them inside out
and then place them in the second plastic bag. Tie the bag and
dispose of in the normal household refuse bin.
- Hands should then be washed thoroughly
with soap and water
- If disposable gloves are not available, a
plastic bag can be used as a make-shift glove. When the dead bird
has been picked up, the bag can be turned back on itself and tied.
It should then be placed in a second plastic bag, tied and disposed
of in the normal household waste
- Alternatively, the dead bird can be
buried, but not in a plastic bag
- Any clothing that has been in contact with
the dead bird should be washed using ordinary washing detergent at
the temperature normally used for washing the clothing.
Any contaminated indoor surfaces should be
thoroughly cleaned with normal household cleaner.
More information is available on the
Defra website.