Avian Influenza information
A case of Avian Influenza (also known as Bird Flu) has now been found in the UK in South Eastern Scotland (April 2006). If you find one or more dead swans/wild fowl (ducks and geese); more than 3 dead birds of the same species or more than 5 dead birds of different species, in the same place, you should contact the Defra Helpline (08459 33 55 77).
Currently the Helpline is available between the following hours Monday - Friday 6am to 10pm and Saturday - Sunday 6am to 10pm. You will be asked for details of your find and its location.
No cases have been confirmed in Richmond upon Thames, but there are some points you should note.
- Do not handle any dead animal without proper protection.
- Avoid touching bird droppings. If you do come into contact with them, wash your hands thoroughly as you would normally.
- If you normally buy chicken and eggs you can continue to do so - expert advice is that poultry products are perfectly safe.
- For humans, the risk of catching the disease is from being in close contact with live poultry that have the disease and not through eating cooked poultry, game or eggs.
- If you would normally feed birds please continue to do so - this is a key time of year for wild birds and they do need your help - remember to avoid any contact and observe good hygiene.
- You can continue to enjoy the parks and riverside areas as normal.
- There are currently no restrictions on movement in Richmond upon Thames.
Follow this link to view up to date UK information from UK Resilience website