Public advised not to touch sick or dead birds - as avian influenza confirmed by Defra in Stratford-upon-Avon

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has confirmed there is avian influenza A(H5N1) in wild bird populations in the Stratford area of Warwickshire.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is advising people in Warwickshire not to touch any sick or dead wild birds - after avian flu was confirmed in the swan and Canada goose populations around the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in the centre of Stratford-upon-Avon. Pets should also be kept on a lead and away from any potentially infected birds.

The UKHSA, Warwickshire County Council and Stratford District Council is working with APHA and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) to manage the situation and protect public health and reduce the risk to other birds, wildlife and pets.

The A(H5N1) strain is highly pathogenic to other birds, but the risk to human health is considered low. It is vital that people do not touch sick live birds or bird carcasses, and infection control measures may be necessary if they do.

Sarah Smith, UKHSA West Midlands Health Protection Consultant leading on avian influenza, said: "The A(H5N1) strain is currently the most common strain of bird flu in this country and is highly pathogenic to other birds. The risk to the public from avian flu remains low, however it is possible for humans to catch the virus, so it is vital that people do not touch any sick or dead birds, or have contact with their droppings, eggs or bedding, which may also be contaminated. As a precaution, anyone who has been in direct contact with a sick or dying bird in an area where the infection has been confirmed, will require close monitoring and follow up with UKHSA."

In areas where the infection has been confirmed or is suspected, anyone who has been in contact with sick or dead birds or their droppings, while not wearing the correct PPE (personal protective equipment), should make sure any footwear is properly cleaned and thoroughly wash their hands in soap and water. They should then notify the UK Health Security Agency's West Midlands Health Protection Team on 0344 225 3560 so that public health experts can determine if antiviral medication and active surveillance of their condition is necessary. If someone handled infected birds while wearing adequate PPE, they must still undergo active surveillance.

Following a number of detections of avian influenza (bird flu) in wild birds across Great Britain, the Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland and Wales declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across the whole of Great Britain in October, to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and captive birds.

Councillor Christopher Kettle, Community Protection Portfolio from Stratford District Council, said: "The UKHSA has made it clear that the risk of the disease transferring from birds to humans is considered to be low. To ensure this situation remains, the advice we have received is that members of the public should not touch or go near sick or dying birds and any dead birds found should be reported to the District Council on 01789 267 575 to assist with disposal.

"The UK food standards agencies advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

"Posters have been erected in the affected area asking the public not to feed the ducks, swans or geese and to remind people that dogs should be kept on leads and that the public should keep to the footpaths."

Anyone who sees sick wildfowl should contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. If you see any dead wildfowl in the Stratford area, contact Stratford District Council on 01789 267 575.

Outside the Stratford area - call the Defra helpline on 03459 33 55 77 or go online to report dead wild birds online to Defra if you see:

• 1 or more dead birds of prey or owls
• 3 or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (eg swans, geese and ducks)
• 5 or more dead birds of any species

For further advice see GOV.UK