Animal health

Avian Influenza

Poultry housing measures were lifted on Monday 2 May 2022. Avian Influenza Prevention Zone mandatory biosecurity measures remain in place for all birds.

If you intend to allow your birds outside you must prepare the outside areas. Please check Bird keepers urged to maintain scrupulous biosecurity standards as housing measures set to be lifted

More information:

Report suspected Avian Influenza (bird flu)
  • 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 animal health concerns

Cruelty or an animal in distress

Report cruelty or an animal in distress to the RSPCA

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

Contact the Defra Rural Services Helpline

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
Noisy animals

Report noise, bonfires and other pollution

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