Bird Flu

Information

England is currently free from the avian flu virus, however, an isolated case has been identified in Scotland. Call the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on 08459 335577 if you find any of the following:

1 or more dead swans, ducks or geese
3 or more dead birds of the same species
5 or more dead birds of different species.

Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards will take the lead should any outbreak occur in West Oxfordshire, but at the moment are advising you to contact DEFRA.

The Department of Health has provided some information about bird flu. They say that Avian flu (commonly known as bird flu) is a bird disease that has under certain circumstances been transmitted to humans. This requires very close contact with infected birds.

Eating poultry and poultry products

We have received a number of enquiries concerning bird flu, mainly concerned with whether it is safe to eat poultry. Advice regarding national food safety issues is provided by the Food Standards Agency. The current advice on their website states:

"In areas free from the disease, poultry and poultry products can be prepared and eaten as usual (following good hygiene practice and proper cooking), with no fear of acquiring infection."

Good hygiene practices include washing your hands after touching raw meat. Thorough cooking of poultry, including eggs, will kill bacteria and virus so that it is safe to eat. These practices should be applied at all times, not just a precautionary measure for the risk of bird flu.

Questions and answers

The DEFRA website has a long list of questions and answers that you may find useful, such as what to do if you find a dead bird and whether your pets are at risk. Follow the link below to the DEFRA website.

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