Keep reporting and register to help reduce bird flu risk

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mum and daughter feed three chickens in a coup

Kent bird keepers and residents can continue to help reduce the spread of bird flu.

The flu-type virus primarily affects birds and the risk to the general public’s health remains very low.

But even if you keep just a handful of chickens, ducks or geese in your back garden, by law most bird keepers must:

  • register your birds so the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) can contact you if there is an outbreak in your local area. There’s everything you need to know about registering on the GOV.UK website
  • immediately report signs of the disease in poultry or other kept birds to the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301

National legislation also remains in place requiring keepers to continue to keep sheds, equipment, clothing and footwear clean and regularly disinfected to reduce the risk of infection. See GOV.UK for more advice about how to prevent bird flu and stop it spreading.

Residents can also help APHA monitor the spread of bird flu by reporting dead wild birds. Use the online reporting system or call the Defra helpline 03459 33 55 77.

Contact your local council for collection and disposal of dead wild birds on public land. See GOV.UK’s Removing and disposing of dead wild birds page for more information.

Head shot of Steve Rock, Head of Kent Trading Standards

“...high-level biosecurity is our best defence”

Steve Rock Head of Kent Trading Standards

Head of Kent Trading Standards Steve Rock said: “Bird flu was traditionally a higher risk to kept birds in winter because the virus was largely spread by migrating wild birds. Now the virus is endemic in the general wild bird population so it’s not unusual for cases to occur throughout the year.

“Given high-level biosecurity is our best defence against it, Kent bird keepers must continue sticking to Defra rules. This include registering birds so you can be easily contacted.”

Anjan Ghosh is smiling at the camera during a headshot photoshoot

“Stick to paths, keep dogs on leads, and report not touch dead birds”

Dr Anjan Ghosh KCC Director of Public Health

Kent County Council's Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed bird flu poses a very low risk to the general public’s health. The Food Standards Agency has also said bird flu does not present a food safety risk for UK consumers.

“But when you are out and about enjoying Kent’s great outdoors, please help reduce the spread of the disease by limiting your contact with wild birds who can naturally carry it. Stick to paths, keep dogs on leads, and report not touch dead birds.”