Avian influenza bio-security requirements

It is a legal requirement for all bird keepers to follow strict biosecurity measures:

  • Keepers with more than 500 birds must restrict access for non-essential people on their sites.
  • Workers need to change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures.
  • Site vehicles need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to limit the risk of the disease spreading.
  • Backyard owners with smaller numbers of poultry including chickens, ducks and geese must also take steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their animals.

More information

Report suspected Avian Influenza (bird flu)

  • Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) helpline Phone 0345 933 5577 to report dead wild birds.
  • Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Phone 0300 020 0301 to report suspicion of disease in your flock.

Report dead wild birds on GOV.UK

Report animal health concerns

Cruelty or an animal in distress

Dead animals

On the highway

On private land

Contact Animal Health

We cannot accept anonymous complaints. Your contact details will be treated as confidential.

You can tell us about dead cows, sheep, goats, pigs, deer and horses.

Tell us:

  • Location of dead animal(s)
  • How many dead animal(s)
  • Breed of dead animal(s)
  • The farmer's details
  • Your name, address and contact details
  • Animal ear tag number(s)
  • Animal species (Cow, sheep, goats, pigs, deer or horse)
  • Colour of animal

Diseased animals or farm animal welfare

Illegally imported animals, livestock markets, shows and events

Contact Animal Health

We cannot accept anonymous complaints. Your contact details will be treated as confidential.

Illegally imported animals

Tell us:

  • Location of the animal(s)
  • Breed of animal(s)
  • How many animals(s)
  • Country they have been imported from
  • Who has imported them
  • Your name, address and contact details
  • Vehicle registration number / type of vehicle / colour of vehicle - if animal(s) are in a vehicle

Livestock markets, shows and events

Tell us:

  • Which market, show or event
  • Your complaint or query
  • Your name, address and contact details

Straying livestock

Straying on a public highway

Contact the Police (non-emergency) number:

  • Phone 101

Straying on private land

This is a civil issue between landowners. You can seek legal advice to assist with removal of animals from your land.

Licensing and keeping animals

Animal licences

Poultry keeping: customer registration

Contact us for advice or information on keeping livestock.

Contact Animal Health

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