Avian influenza (AI), commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, digestive and/or nervous system of many species of birds. It may also pose a threat to people and other animals in certain circumstances.

The disease is notifiable: if you suspect the disease, you must immediately notify the duty vet in your local Animal Health Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) office.

Latest situation

• 4 April 2012: Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N2) in Ireland – Preliminary outbreak assessment (PDF)
• 24 January 2012: Notifiable Avian Disease Control Strategy for Great Britain
• Defra monitors the occurrence of major animal disease outbreaks worldwide as an early warning to assess the risk these events may pose to the UK.
• Imports and exports news relating to avian influenza

Further information

• About the disease
• Advice to poultry keepers
• Advice to the public
• Disease control and surveillance
• Publications
• Legislation

Related services

• GB Poultry Register